Matugga Distillers makes hand sanitiser

Scotland’s Matugga Distillers has become the latest producer to make hand sanitiser and will donate 1,000 litres to vulnerable communities.

The five-litre container of hand sanitiser comes with a rainbow drawing

Livingston-based rum maker Matugga Distillers has produced its first batch of hand sanitiser in line with the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) rules.

The distillery’s husband and wife team, Jacine and Paul Rutasikwa, will donate 1,000 litres of the disinfectant over the next few weeks after the launch of a successful Crowdfunder campaign, which raised more than £3,000 (US$3,760).

The hand sanitiser will be given to a number of organisations including local surgeries, support groups, the Royal Bank of Scotland Food Bank Donation Centre in Gogarburn and the West Lothian Health & Social Care Partnership.

“Finding a novel way to tweak our production line to support our NHS heroes on the front line is the least we can do in such uncertain times,” said Jacine Rutasikwa. “We have been overwhelmed at the response to our Crowdfunder campaign and are incredibly grateful for the generous support which will enable us to help the community’s most vulnerable.

“It has been humbling to see distillers of all sizes from across Scotland come together in a bid to use their facilities and agility to help people fight against coronavirus. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted and we hope that our offering can help to make a difference.

“We ask for people not to come to the distillery to collect the hand sanitiser because of social-distancing reasons, but we will organise delivery to as many people as we can.”

The couple’s six-year-old daughter, Mahya, has adorned the disinfectant’s packaging with a rainbow. It will be distributed in five-litre containers.