To celebrate the launch of their first ever charity partnership and to kick-start fundraising for Garvald, a family open day was held in the grounds of the distillery on Saturday (2 September). The fun day was attended by local MP Joanna Cherry QC.

With a whole host of activities such as distillery tours, children’s games, face painting, balloon sculpting, bowling and ‘Beat the Goalie’ with coaches from neighbouring football club Hearts, there really was something for all the family to enjoy.

Several of those supported by Garvald came along to the fun day and set up stalls selling their home-baking and arts and crafts, which are just some of the opportunities available to them through the charity based in Gorgie Road.

Between the activities hosted by North British and the stalls run by Garvald, a fantastic £3,000 was raised on the day.

Alan Kilpatrick, Managing Director of North British Distillery said: “Garvald is such an incredible charity that does so much for the people of Edinburgh and I couldn’t be happier to announce our partnership with them.

“This family fun day is just the start in what we hope will be a long and successful relationship with the charity and I know all of our staff are keen to support and do what they can to raise much needed funds for them.

“We couldn’t have picked a better way to celebrate this partnership and it was great to see everyone coming together in support of this fantastic cause.”

Joanna Cherry QC MP said: “It is fantastic to see North British Distillery supporting a great local charity like Garvald, and this has been an excellent event to bring everyone together and really get the fundraising under way.

“I’m sure the support that Garvald will receive from the distillery during their partnership will be incredibly valuable to them.”

Mike Casey, Director at Garvald Edinburgh said: “We provide creative working environments which focus mainly around craft, catering and artistic skills. Thanks to the support of businesses like North British Distillery, we provide opportunities and support for over 200 people with disabilities in safe and friendly places throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“We are incredibly grateful to Alan and his team for choosing us as their first ever charity partner and the family open day was the perfect way to introduce our charity to their employees and get the fundraising off to a fantastic start.”