Taking Harris to the world – and investing in a community

Ever since Isle of Harris Distillery opened its doors on the remote, picturesque Isle of Harris in North-West Scotland in September 2015, it has established a central place in Scotland’s largest island dwelling. Its Isle of Harris Gin and The Hearach whisky have helped accelerate its growth, and helped the distillery become an integral part of the community. The business also has an ambition to take its unique blend of Scotch whisky to the world where it can tap into a large global market.

Since it was founded, Isle of Harris Distillery has grown from a team of 10 to over 45 employees and has made its mark on the world as well as the island with support from HSBC UK.

“We wanted to do something to re-energise the economy of Harris and in doing so create a business that provided long-term employment,” said Ron MacEachran, Executive Chairman and CFO.

“HSBC demonstrated an understanding of the challenges a young business had, particularly one that was quite distinctive by its location, and that relationship has evolved and developed ever since.”

Making it on the international market is essential for the success of any Scotch whisky brand; with the value of Scotch exports hitting £5.6 billion in 2023, according to the Scotch Whisky Association. MacEachran knew that making its mark overseas was crucial for helping the ambitious distillery secure its future.

HSBC UK has worked with Isle of Harris Distillery since 2016, from the start of their journey – and it’s been a rapid growth story. “We’ve got a wonderful, positive relationship,” said Stephanie Betant, Head of Global Trade Solutions (GTS) UK, HSBC.

Situated in the harbour village of Tarbert in the heart of Harris, a stone’s throw from the waters of East Loch Tarbert, the young and dynamic distillery business has benefited from financing from HSBC UK in order to grow, as well as advice to help it expand internationally.

“It’s hugely valuable to be able to provide that insight into what makes international companies successful, but also what are the financial tools that are available to them,” says Betant.

With an extensive global footprint, HSBC is well-placed to support businesses like Isle of Harris Distillery, with coverage of more than 50 countries and 90% of global trade flows. The bank has supported the business by introducing it to its international network of colleagues, helping the whisky makers benefit from a recent business opportunity in India.

“HSBC is of course a powerhouse in Asia, so helping them to expand is truly very exciting for us,” says Betant.

Isle of Harris Distillery is not just a commercial whisky business with global ambitions; its identity is rooted in a deep sense of connection with the close-knit Harris community. The island has experienced a dramatic decline in its population over the last 50 years, seeing it fall by nearly 50% as young people leave the island to seek work beyond its shores. Isle of Harris Distillery believes this change threatens local traditions, culture, and language. It’s seeking to address these issues by creating local jobs that can secure the island’s future and give back to the local area.

Isle of Harris Distillery’s growth has also proven hugely beneficial for the community of just under 2,000 people and its growing team is proud of everything the business has achieved. The distillery offers many opportunities for local workers; requiring a wide range of skills, from distilling and blending, to marketing and hospitality. “I don’t think we ever imagined that something like this could be so successful here and we’re hugely proud of it,” said Shona Macleod, Master Blender.

The company also offers placements and internships for young people to help them explore future career paths and offers apprenticeships and training to develop its distilling team. They believe it’s a potent blend of commercial ambition and community spirit that aims to leave a lasting legacy for the future residents of the Isle of Harris.