Local MSP lends support to new business in Kirkintilloch
Spirits were soaring in Kirkintilloch this week as Spirit of Alba opened their new shop on Kirkintilloch high street. The shop, specialising in the retail and history of bespoke Scottish whisky, opened their new premises on the Cowgate with a special welcome from Rona Mackay MSP. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Spirit of Alba pressed ahead with their new business, offering customers a specialist array of spirits from across the world. The shop also specialises in craft beer, gin and other spirits, offering customers from across the country a unique selection of rare produce. Founder and business owner, Dr Jim Hopkins, noted that the shop was bringing “life and excitement” to the town with plans to further expand the business to bring East Dunbartonshire’s first whisky distillery to life. Commenting, Jim said: “The opening of the shop has been a long time coming. I’m delighted to have finally launched our brand-new premises here in the heart of Kirkintilloch. “As a local resident, I know fine well the potential of the town. There has already been lots of interest and footfall within the shop and it’s bringing some much-needed life and excitement back to our high street. “I’m grateful for the support of all our customers and from Rona who had assisted us in our application to East Dunbartonshire Council. I look forward to working with her as we launch our ambitious plans to, eventually, have East Dunbartonshire’s first whisky distillery within our community. Commenting, local MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, Rona Mackay said: “I am absolutely delighted that Jim has pressed ahead with his exciting plans and opened the first Spirit of Alba shop here in Kirkintilloch. “The company is a prime example of the creative, specialised businesses we have throughout Strathkelvin and Bearsden. It’s even more admirable that Jim proceeded with his business expansion despite COVID-19, bringing some much needed footfall back to our high street. “I was more than happy to support the company in their application for premises here in the Kirkintilloch. He has my full support as he no doubt takes Spirit of Alba from strength to strength. ENDS