Formed in January 2016, the couple spent the next six months creating their gin before launch, with the help of Strathearn Distillery in Perth. Just under two years later, they’ve now started production on the island with their impressive distillery and visitor centre opening in July 2018.

With the great provenance debate rumbling on, it’s important to note that this isn’t a unique approach for Orkney Distilling. Many island gin brands are following this route including Colonsay, who’ve recently moved production to their home, and Tyree and Arran Gin who are both at various stages in this process. It seems to be a sensible business approach, and one we’re on board with, provided there’s transparency from all parties to consumers. Kirkwall husband and wife team Stephen and Aly Kemp, keen to promote their island’s Viking heritage, created Kirkjuvagr Gin in homage to their island’s ancestors.