Three popular Scotch whisky distilleries will donate money to the BEN charity to support Scotland's hospitality workers
The Tobermory distillery on Mull, Bunnahabhain on Islay and the Deanston distillery near Stirling have teamed up with the Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society (the BEN), which offers vital social, emotional, and financial support to the licensed trade, to help those sector workers who are struggling under the continuing changes enforced by the coronavirus outbreak.
As well as its 10 per cent pledge, the three distilleries are also encouraging staff and consumers to pledge their own support to The BEN via their JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/campaign/saveyourlocal
Fraser Thornton, managing director of Distell International, said: “The industry is facing one of the most challenging periods in its history and there are many individuals in our communities who have been severely impacted by the recent lockdown.
“The BEN is playing a fantastic role in providing direct assistance when its needed most, whether that’s financially, emotionally, or socially. Together with their support, we can overcome this.”
At a local level, employees at Deanston Distillery, in partnership with Community Action for Deanston and Deanston Support Group has been providing soup from its café to vulnerable groups and school children in the surrounding community.
The distilleries have also launched engagement activity online to help keep consumers entertained during lockdown – with Bunnahabhain running a live whisky masterclass on International Whisky Day last week for those enjoying a Friday dram from home.