Bank of Scotland backs Balmaha business with £130,000

The six-figure investment is to be utilised for the expansion of the The Oak Tree Inn’s food production business through the construction of a new building.

That site will be used to house its food and drink making facilities which include the Loch Lomond Luxury Ice Cream and the Balmaha Brewing Co brands as well as a smokehouse for fish.

The business, set up by the Fraser family in 1997 and which now employs more than 60, said it needed to make the investment as a result of growing demand for its products.

The dedicated facilities will allow the company to expand the production of its beers and ciders, such as Lomond Hop and Balmaha Best, as well as its ice cream.

Sandy Fraser, a partner in the business, said the Balmaha’s Braw Weekend food and drink festival in October had attracted more than 6,000 people.

He said: “We are currently developing production facilities to accommodate our ice cream, microbrewery and smokehouse brands in this new building, which will allow us to manage the huge customer demand for these products.”

Donal Church, Bank of Scotland relationship manager, said: “The Oak Tree Inn is a brilliant example of the diverse tourism and food and drink industries that makes Scotland one of the most celebrated destinations in the world.”