Originally established as a pop-up in Glasgow in 2016, Rapscallion has garnered a strong UK-wide fan base with its inventive, plant-based, low sugar soft drinks, made from the finest fresh produce.

Thanks to new equity support from Scottish business luminaries such as Jamie Matheson, Robert Wiseman, and Hamish Grossart, as well as backing from Scottish Enterprise and other partners, Rapscallion has significantly bolstered its production capacity and sustainability.

The business has extensively modernised its production facilities in the Gorbals, Glasgow, installing new machinery to accelerate production and cut reliance on food grade CO2 by an impressive 65%. This growth was made possible by acquiring additional production machinery, appointing a management team, and forming a seasoned board of directors, all aimed at supporting founder Gregor Leckie in realising Rapscallion’s global ambitions.

Mr Leckie stated: “We are excited to have the backing of individuals with a proven track record of success and delighted with the support we have been granted from Glasgow City Council, Business Gateway Glasgow and Scottish Enterprise to help us reach our sustainable goals faster.

“We have completely transformed our production facility so we’re now electrically driven, powered by renewable energy and utilising direct air capture to reduce our environmental impact.

“This new machinery has allowed us to improve our core recipes and extend its shelf life to allow for export whilst remaining true to our ethos of extracting only the purest flavours from the freshest produce – whilst refusing artificial preservatives and concentrates.

“The drinks speak for themselves. We have a product designed for every palate and I am looking forward to developing the brand further afield. These are exciting times for Rapscallion.”

Scottish Enterprise’s managing director Rhona Allison said: “Rapscallion Soda continue to go from strength to strength and Scottish Enterprise and partners at Business Gateway and Glasgow City Council are delighted to have supported Gregor and his fantastic team to help them on their journey.

“The investment in low carbon, sustainable production facilities alongside the introduction of new staff and directors will see Rapscallion reach its full potential and scale up to take advantage of opportunities in the UK market and beyond.”

Dominic Dowling, group manager – growth, economic development at Glasgow City Council, added: “I am delighted that Glasgow City Council’s Business Growth Team has been able to support Rapscallion to grow and become more sustainable. Producing this independent craft soft drink in Glasgow will utilise the skills of the local workforce, whilst also creating additional employment opportunities.

“We are committed to supporting small and medium sized enterprises across Glasgow to achieve their growth aspirations and would encourage any Glasgow SME looking for support to contact us and I wish Gregor and the team at Rapscallion continued success for the future.”