Secret Garden Distillery
Case Study
Secret Garden Distillery is a multi-award-winning gin distillery based at the foot of the Pentland Hills in Midlothian. The current owners, Imogen and Isobel Armstrong, acquired the business form Hamish Martin in July 2022.
They have developed a range of 100% natural boutique gins, infused with botanicals grown on site in their garden, which was built on a derelict plot in 2012. They also run gin tours and visitor experiences and are fast becoming a key tourist destination in Midlothian.
Business Gateway Midlothian and Economic Development support provided:
- Local Business Gateway Midlothian Growth Adviser support through acquisition period, business restructuring and ongoing consulting.
- Inclusion in Midlothian Council Economic Development's Net Zero Nation Programme to support carbon accounting and commitment to emission reduction.
- Accessed the Business Gateway Midlothian HR Expert Help programme to assist in the development of staff training, induction, development and fair work practices.
- Successfully awarded Midlothian Council LACER Green Transition Fund to support development of an onsite borehole to allow well water to be used in the gin production.
The onsite café at the Distillery, Secret Herb Garden Café & Bistro, has been leased to Zebra Leisure Ltd, owners of The Craigie Hotel in Penicuik & The Paper Mill in Lasswade. The café was supported by the UKSPF tourism funding to develop bakery lesson experiences. Customers visiting each business can easily experience the other business on site creating a valuable partnership between these two businesses.
