BOSSES from a drinks-making firm in Port Glasgow are in good spirits as they launch a brand new Inverclyde gin.

It is the latest product developed and produced by the team at The Start-Up Drinks Lab in Port Glasgow.

The new craft drink's motto is 'for locals, by locals' and the team pride themselves on having employed seven local men on the production line to bottle the tantalising tipple.

Helping to lead the operation is office manager, Calvin McKenna and his colleague Craig Porter, client manager, who are excited as they get ready to begin delivery of their first batch of gin next week.

Craig said: "Our founders, Hannah Fisher and Craig Strachan, wanted to launch a company that helps drinks brands, regardless of their size, take their products through from concept to shelf in as little as three months.

"We have our own, dedicated small batch bottling facility so as well as helping other companies with their visions, we wanted to do something for the people of Inverclyde.

"We've had local people involved in every stage of the process - particularly with the design of the bottle, as we wanted to capture Inverclyde as best we could.

"We're really lucky being based at Port Glasgow and have had excellent support locally since we opened, so we thought this would be a great way to do something for local people."

The company began working on the product in January, however like many other local businesses faced challenges as a result of Covid-19.

While production was stopped for a short period, the team came together to bottle hand sanitiser to be used in Scotmid Co-operative stores.

Now that operations are beginning to return to similar production levels as before the pandemic, the team are taking pre-orders for the new gin.

Calvin, 25, added: "We had 250 bottles in batch one and all have been sold.

"Pre-orders for the second batch will be opening soon.

"Around six or seven local bars are already onboard to stock it - The View at Cloch were given an exclusive bottle and those who tried it have said nothing but positive things.

"The next batch will be delivered mid-October and we're hoping that it could even be purchased by people beyond Inverclyde - it's an exciting time for us."

The team at Inverclyde Gin are offering one lucky person a free bottle, worth £34.99, as part of their launch.

To enter the competition, take a selfie at their new billboard on Brougham Street and submit it via social media.