You may have realised by now that I like to bring to your attention some of Scotland’s most interesting, diverse and successful business through “Start up Stories” and this example is exactly that. Kim Cameron, founder of The Gin Bothy tells us more…

What is your background?

Brought up in the Angus glens (Glenisla), I studied in Glasgow university and worked in retail for years. Travelling throughout UK and Ireland before returning to Kirriemuir (where my parents live) to have my daughter. Running a rural coffee shop and lecturing part time in Dundee, I entered a jar of jam into a world jampionship (there is such a thing!) where I won a category in 2013. This then led to me converting a bothy into a production kitchen called The Jam Bothy.

One of the by products of jam making is lots of fruit and fresh juice left over and rather than waste it my mum suggested adding it to gin like they used to do.

The jam Bothy became the Gin Bothy and the rest is history!

Was starting your own company something you always dreamed of?

I didn’t really plan the company it has evolved and as a mum, it allowed me to work around my life. So I guess I’m very lucky!

What is a typical day like at The Gin Bothy?

We hand bottle and batch Monday to Wednesday, in the Bothy in Kirriemuir and then open the Bothy Experience in Glamis (just down the road) Thursday to Sunday and attend regular farmers markets and events at the weekend throughout Scotland.

What has been your biggest challenge to overcome?

Legislation probably and keeping compliant!

What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?

Other than deliveries it would have to be meeting customers old and new! Finding out how people are drinking my gin and creating new combinations.

If you could give anyone starting up one piece of advice, what would it be?

Research! It’s really hard now to enter the market as there is so much competition and brands are regionalising so have a real USP!

What does the future hold for The Gin Bothy?

We started exporting this year so there are more opportunities there for us. But our visitor site in Glamis Village is exciting, as we are now able to offer tastings for up to 30 people and lots of exciting developments there!

Where can I find out more about The Gin Bothy?

You can find The Gin Bothy online and over on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.