STRICT rules over the geographical origin of Scotch Whisky have long underpinned its global reputation, and protected its producers – but Scotland’s burgeoning gin industry enjoys no such protections, leaving it vulnerable to imitation.
That’s the warning that Kim Cameron, owner of the Angus-based Gin Bothy business, has been making to politicians, arguing that it is high time ‘Scottish Gin’ was brought within the UK’s geographical indication (GI) schemes, and the international product protection schemes with which they reciprocate.
Last week, Ms Cameron, who is preparing to celebrate her 10th year as owner of Gin Bothy, met with key MSPs, MPs, Lords and other political figures at Holyrood, Westminster and the House of Lords as part of her role on the Scottish Rural Leadership Programme.
She highlighted that gin now sits alongside whisky as one of Scotland’s leading food and drink exports and, according to a study by chartered accountants Hazelwoods, cumulatively enjoyed 13% growth in the UK last year, reaching a total value of £9.4 billion.
Scotch whisky is currently one of 14 products that has protected status under UK GI and EU GI laws, with the UK Government’s UK GI scheme stating ‘GI protection guarantees a product’s characteristics or reputation, authenticity and origin. It protects the product name from misuse or imitation’.
However, Scottish gin does not have protected status in either the UK or the EU.
Ms Cameron said that greater protections for Scottish gin would strengthen trade for the industry and prevent the exploitation of the Scottish brand by spirit makers who have no right to use it.
“There are so many talented gin producers in Scotland but it’s crucial that our work isn’t diluted by brands that are using the Scottish name to enhance their marketing,” said Cameron.
Gin Bothy itself is en route to international fame, as it is due to hit the red carpet in Hollywood later this month after being selected to appear in the $125,000 ‘Everybody Wins’ goodie bags to be handed out to the top 25 Oscar nominees.
“At the Gin Bothy we pride ourselves on our fruit being hand-picked in Scotland,” said Cameron. “Our original gin that will be handed out to the top 25 Oscar nominees is made from Scottish heather, Scots pine and rosemary. It’s a real taste of Scotland in a bottle and that’s how it should be.
“The danger, with the lack of protection that is currently in place for Scottish gin, is that anyone can stick a label on their gin and claim to be Scottish. A lot of producers or companies would see the benefit of trading off the back of the popularity of Scotland as a brand.
“Brand Scotland is a real asset to our trading capabilities and gin plays a big role in that. Gin is worth a lot of money to our economy and it’s important to tighten up the protection of our brands,” she said.
“This isn’t something that will happen overnight but, in my role on the Scottish Rural Leadership Programme, it’s important to engage with people who can make a significant difference to the growth of the gin industry.”
The Scottish Rural Leadership Programme, supported by Elevator and led by Scottish Enterprise, offers industry leaders such as Kim the opportunity to engage politically and influence policy.
