Open sponsor donates thousands of bottles of hand sanitiser

Several thousand bottles of hand sanitiser are being delivered all across Scotland after one of the Open’s key sponsors geared up to help the vulnerable during the coronavirus outbreak.

Independent distiller, The Loch Lomond Group, completed production of the first batch and started working with Fareshare Scotland to distribute it to those who need it most.

The firm, who make Loch Lomond Whiskies and are the official spirit of The Open, produced the bottles at their facilities in Alexandria, Dumbartonshire and Catrine, Ayrshire.

The hand sanitiser has been made in line with World Health Organisation guidelines containing 70% alcohol, and has received duty exemption from HMRC for the alcohol content.

Thousands of additional bottles have also been committed to more than 150 organisations and individuals – including healthcare and frontline services – who are helping in the fight against the pandemic.

Colin Matthews, Loch Lomond Group chief executive, said: “It was very important to us that at this time, as we all face such an unprecedented crisis, that we found a meaningful way to help to support the people of Scotland.

“We operate one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, and quickly realised that we have both the ability and capacity to produce a significant amount of hand sanitiser which is currently in such high demand.

“By partnering with Fareshare Scotland we can ensure that this donation reaches those people in most need across the country.

• Related: ‘We need to do something quickly – or else we’re in trouble’
• Related: ‘Want to stop slow play? Dish out shot penalties’
• Related: Is it time for a Senior Ryder Cup?

“I would also like to thank MacPhie who have bottled the product and also donated the 425ml plastic bottles we needed to pack the hand sanitiser, and DHL Scotland who have agreed to deliver the products without charge across the country.”

Gillian Kynoch, of FareShare Scotland, added: “We are enormously grateful for this donation. Hand sanitisers are essential for our warehouse staff, drivers and volunteers so we can continue to make safe deliveries of food.

“Likewise, the hand sanitisers will be hugely welcomed by the hundreds of community organisations we serve supporting the elderly and vulnerable at home during this very difficult time.”

FareShare Scotland supports over 650 organisations, ensuring food reaches the most vulnerable community groups across the country, including homeless centres, the elderly, rape crisis centres, community pantries and children’s breakfast clubs.

During the government lockdown Fareshare will continue to deliver food parcels to those in most urgent need.

For further information about Loch Lomond Group, visit their website.

Thanks for stopping by.

We wondered if you might like to contribute to supporting our journalism?

As the world enters uncharted waters, we’d like to be able to keep our content open for all to entertain and inform in the months ahead.

We’d like to think we are the voice of the ordinary golfer the world over. Whether your interest is in the game from tour level to grassroots, the latest equipment, or independent course rankings, we’ve got you covered.

If you want to read more about how you can help us and to donate, please CLICK HERE.