When friends Catriona and Cara met at a local baby and toddler group in Lochaber, little did they know that their shared love for the Highlands would lead them on an entrepreneurial journey.
Drawn by a desire to create something unique that celebrated their stunning surroundings and fit around family life, the two founded Bealach Gin, a London Dry gin infused with the wild, rugged flavours of the Scottish Highlands.
Named after "Bealach," Scots Gaelic for “mountain pass,” the brand is rooted in the Highland landscape, capturing the spirit of Cam Bhealach near their base on the shores of Loch Lochy.
Part One
The Best ‘Be-gin-nings’
With a deep commitment to sustainability, Catriona and Cara source botanicals locally, practicing environmentally conscious foraging to gather ingredients like bog myrtle, Scots pine, and brambles.
Their gin-making process is a celebration of their natural surroundings, with each sip of Bealach Gin bringing the flavours of the Highlands to your glass. To reduce their carbon footprint, the duo uses plastic-free packaging and often hand-delivers their gin to local businesses.
This year the pair have been working closely with Lost Loch Spirits and oversee every step of the gin's production. The botanicals are distilled using their own unique recipe, while each bottle is labelled and distributed by the duo themselves. They are now in a position to open their own micro distillery on the shores of Loch Lochy by Spring 2025 where Bealach Highland Gin will be made.
The journey of Bealach Gin wouldn’t have been possible without the support of other local distilleries and businesses, who generously shared advice along the way and, as members of the Highland Good Food Partnership through Scotland Food & Drink’s Regional Food Groups programme, Bealach Gin remains rooted in the community.
Part Two
Raising a Glass to Success
Balancing family life with a growing business hasn’t been without its challenges, but Catriona and Cara’s determination has yielded impressive results. Since launching in 2023, Bealach Gin’s popularity has soared, earning a silver award at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, increasing production fivefold to meet demand and now opening their own micro distillery.
Today, Bealach Gin can be found in local markets like Glen Spean Market and on shelves across the Highlands. Through Lochaber’s Businesswomen’s community, the pair has fostered strong relationships with other local businesses, building a loyal following through their personal, hands-on approach.
Looking ahead..
Catriona and Cara hope to see Bealach Gin on even more shelves across Scotland and are exploring new products like gin liqueurs and other spirits. They envision Bealach Gin as a fair employer that supports the local community and creates jobs that people are proud to hold.
As their business grows alongside their families and friendships, Catriona and Cara raise a glass to a future full of possibilities – one that continues to honour the Highlands and bring its spirit to customers far and wide.
