Our Story
Learn more about who we are and our journey
Who we are
Isle of Cumbrae Distillers is a small, independent distillery at 11 Guildford Street in Millport, where every spirit is distilled in small batches on our 100-litre copper pot still.
Each one is inspired by the island – its landmarks, legends and people – with labels by Scottish artists and many bottles supporting causes close to home, such as the Ayrshire Hospice and The Waverley Charity.
It’s been an exciting journey, and we’re only just getting started!
Meet Struan & Caroline
Whether you’re picking up a bottle or joining a tour, you’ll be welcomed by the two people who make it all happen.
Struan & Caroline
Struan and Caroline took over the running of Isle of Cumbrae Distillers in April 2024. Both born and raised in Ayrshire, they came to Millport after years in the whisky industry, and today they do it all, from distilling and bottling to tours and the shop.
Under their care the range has grown to include Gargowan No.35, Veya Vodka and our Lion Rock and Stone Lore whiskies.
Where It Began
Isle of Cumbrae Distillers was founded in 2019 by five friends with a passion for the island: Bronwyn Jenkins-Deas, Juli Dempsey, Lynda Gill, Philippa Dalton and Jenine Ward. They created Nostalgin, the island’s own gin, with a five-year plan to build something lasting for Cumbrae and then pass the torch, which is where Struan and Caroline’s chapter begins.
Bronwyn Jenkins-Deas
"I am a huge foodie and love learning about traditional Scottish cuisine – yes, I love haggis!"
Despite originally hailing from Canada, Bronwyn has been a “part-time Millportian” since 2002!
Her love of all-things Scottish (especially haggis) calls Millport home – a driving force for her contribution to this enterprise, and the island’s economic success.
Bronwyn
Juli Dempsey
"I feel an immediate sense of calm when stepping off of the ferry at the Cumbrae slip."
Californian-turned-Millportian, Juli joined the island’s community after 20+ years in global health and education.
One of our five founders, Juli still supports the distillery behind the scenes while working on other projects around the island.
Juli
Lynda Gill
"We knew the moment we stepped off the ferry that we wanted to call the island home."
Having seen it all in the Travel sector, Lynda fell in love with Millport and knew she had never wanted to leave.
Was it the feeling? The community? The natural beauty? Yes, to all. Views from Glaid Stone, and across the Firth of Clyde are spellbinding.
Lynda
Philippa Dalton
"I am excited to be part of the creation of the Isle of Cumbrae’s own gin."
In Cumbrae, weather can be wild! But it is in the softness, tranquillity, and friendliness that Philippa found the island irresistible.
Now she raises chickens, bees, and a slightly left-footed terrier named Bob.
Not to mention Gin!
Philippa
Jenine Ward
"There's a saying here: living in Millport is the way life is supposed to be."
Emerging from a career in the Volunteer sector, Jenine settled in Millport after travelling Europe, and the world.
From the colony of seals outside her bedroom window, to the town’s festivals – this is home. contributing to the island’s future through this business is a perfect next chapter.
Jenine