Independent distiller Loch Lomond Group has pledged several thousand bottles of hand sanitiser to food redistribution charity FareShare Scotland to support the country’s most vulnerable.

Loch Lomond has already finalised production of the first batches of hand sanitiser and these are being delivered to more than 150 organisations and individuals such as healthcare and frontline services helping to fight against the coronavirus (Covid-19).

Produced at Loch Lomond Group’s production facilities in Alexandria, Dumbartonshire and Catrine, Ayrshire, the hand sanitiser meets the World Health Organisation’s  70% alcohol guidelines.

The products have received duty exemption from the UK government’s HM Revenue and Customs for the alcohol content.

REACHING THOSE MOST IN NEED

Colin Matthews, CEO, Loch Lomond Group said: “It was very important to us that at this time, as we all face such an unprecedented crisis, that we found a meaningful way to help to support the people of Scotland.

“We operate one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, and quickly realised that we have both the ability and capacity to produce a significant amount of hand sanitiser which is currently in such high demand.

“By partnering with Fareshare Scotland we can ensure that this donation reaches those people in most need across the country.

“I would also like to thank MacPhie who have bottled the product and also donated the 425ml plastic bottles we needed to pack the hand sanitiser, and DHL Scotland who have agreed to deliver the products without charge across the country.”

Gillian Kynoch, FareShare Scotland, said: “We are enormously grateful for this donation. Hand sanitisers are essential for our warehouse staff, drivers and volunteers so we can continue to make safe deliveries of food.

“Likewise, the hand sanitisers will be hugely welcomed by the hundreds of community organisations we serve supporting the elderly and vulnerable at home during this very difficult time.”

Fareshare Scotland supports over 650 organisations, ensuring food reaches the most vulnerable community groups across Scotland, including homeless centres, the elderly, rape crisis centres, community pantries and children’s breakfast clubs.

During the government lockdown Fareshare will continue to deliver food parcels to those in most urgent need.