Kelburn Brewing Company handed Scottish Government grant to aid expansion plans

Kelburn Brewing Company has been granted almost £55,000 from the Scottish Government to assist with its ambitions to move to larger premises.

Staff at the Muriel Lane brewery are now raising a glass to bigger and better things as the firm’s owners look to set up a 20-barrel plant, complete with casks and computer equipment.

While the move is still in its early stages, the windfall will act as a welcome boost to the family-run brewery, which was launched in 2001.

The Scottish Government grant comes less than a year after the business was presented with an international ‘Best Ale’ award for its Ca’Canny beer at the Nolia Beer Festival in Sweden.

The brewery is managed by Derek Moore and his son Ross, with daughter Karen filling the role of office manager.

It was launched after Derek left his position with Houston Brewery to follow a long-held dream of running his own business.

Since then, Kelburn Brewing Company has gone on to export its famous beers at home and abroad, selling both bottled and draught ales.

In June this year, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave the business her seal of approval after being given a guided tour during the run-up to the general election.

The brewery is one of 13 Scottish businesses which will benefit from the government’s Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation awards programme.

Speaking about the awards, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Scotland’s food and drink industry is a cornerstone of our economy, environment and culture, and the quality of our produce is world renowned.

“We’re announcing £3.5 million of new funding for 13 organisations across Scotland which will support sustainable co-operation and collaboration, from primary production and processing to the market, so industry can continue to flourish.

“I congratulate each recipient of these awards and wish them the best of luck for the future.”

Click here to find out more about Kelburn Brewing Company.