Nc’nean gains £250,000 investment

Highland whisky distillery Nc’nean has secured up to £250,000 (US$314,463) in funding to help expand production and reduce its carbon footprint.

The Drimnin-based sustainable whisky producer has gained the funds from Scottish government agency the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The HIE funding will go towards the costs of creating a new on-site bottling plant, which will lower future transport costs and emissions. The investment will also be used to build a new warehouse and install additional equipment to boost production.

The distiller said the developments will give the firm more control over its environmental impact, cut down on future road traffic, and retain operations and employment in Drimnin.

Founder and CEO Annabel Thomas said: “The new bottling plant is an important step on our journey, allowing us to increase our sales whilst keeping control of the process and increasing employment in the area.”

Over the next four years, Nc’nean expects to increase company turnover by £715,000 (US$899,ooo) and international sales by £464,000 (US$583,000). Nc’nean will also create three jobs.

Helen Cameron, business development account manager at HIE, added: “Whisky production is a key part of the Highlands and Islands food and drink sector, which provides valuable rural employment and contributes to community resilience.

“Nc’nean distillery has shown great initiative in developing its business with a strong environmental ethos, while maintaining a high-quality product.”

Nc’nean recently launched the first release from its new spring series, called Huntress 2022.

Last year, Nc’nean became the first whisky distillery in the UK to be verified as having net zero carbon emissions from their own operations (scopes 1 and 2).