Deerness Distillery, one of the most northerly distilleries in Scotland, is raising a toast to the life-saving crews of Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) as it announces a five-year partnership in support of our charity.
The Orkney-based distillery has pledged £8 from every bottle sold of its new Frelsa Gin, purchased directly from The Dashing Deer Shop or through its website (www.deernessdistillery.com), to help fund our frontline service.
Through the partnership, the team at Deerness Distillery aims to raise £250,000 over the five-year period.
With bases in Perth and Aberdeen, SCAA has flown more than 250 missions to Orkney, highlighting just how vital the service is to island communities.
Deerness Distillery marked the launch of Frelsa Gin with an intimate event at The Dashing Deer Kitchen & Bar, where guests heard presentations from Stuart Brown, Managing Director of Deerness Distillery, and Michael Hanratty, Community Fundraising Officer for SCAA in the Highlands and Islands.
Mr Brown praised the nationwide work of the charity and said the partnership was a meaningful way to support a service that is both vital and highly relevant to the people of Orkney.
"Everyone at Deerness is extremely proud to support SCAA in its mission to ensure that no one in Scotland should die because help can't get there in time," he said.
"We have gifted Batch One, Bottle Number 79 of Frelsa Gin to SCAA in honour of Helimed 79, an aircraft frequently seen in the skies over Orkney carrying out life-saving missions.
"SCAA relies on public support to ensure its crews can reach people who are seriously ill or injured, wherever they are in Scotland. We are delighted that Frelsa Gin can play a small part in helping to fuel those life-saving flights."
Michael Hanratty said the charity owed a huge debt of gratitude to corporate partners such as Deerness Distillery.
Michael Hanratty with Stuart Brown at the launch of Frelsa gin. Photo credit: Ken Amer, Orkney Photographic
"The team at Deerness has been incredibly enthusiastic about supporting SCAA, and we can't thank them enough," he said.
"They have created an exceptional product and have been innovative and committed supporters throughout this journey. We held an event at Deerness earlier this year and are already working together on plans for more fundraising activities in the future."
Frelsa Gin is available to purchase through the Deerness Distillery website and The Dashing Deer Shop. The award-winning spirit will also begin appearing with retail partners across Scotland in the coming weeks, helping to raise both awareness and funds for Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance.
