With a background in hospitality and an entrepreneurial mindset, Kevin Paterson noticed an opportunity in the Hamilton area of Inverness to establish a neighbourhood food place to capitalise on the lack of fierce competition. Ever since he was a young lad he’d dreamt of opening up a community-focused food venture that challenges the existing scene and brings something fresh and new.

Wester Spirit was created at the end of 2016. Allan and Zander enjoyed rum and wondered why there wasn’t any being made in Scotland when there was so much choice in Scottish gins and whiskies.

With 20 years in the food manufacturing industry, Kelly was acutely aware that food packaging consumed 25% of global plastic production. Many shoppers were also very aware of the adverse environmental impact of plastic and were demanding less use. Retailers were not adequately responding so Kelly set about addressing that demand. In 2019 she quit her job and started her new business – THE REFILLERY. Her aim was to provide plastic free food packaging  hence encouraging progress towards zero waste, an organic lifestyle and support for local city farms and community gardens.