Neighbours at heart: Gorgie-based distillery celebrates 1st year of partnership with Big Hearts

The
North British Distillery has opened the doors of its Gorgie bowling green to
Kinship Care families supported by their chosen charity partner, Big Hearts
Community Trust.

Over the past 12 months the whisky producer, who is one of
Scotland’s oldest and largest Scotch grain whisky producers, has seen employees
of their Gorgie site come together to support Big Hearts, the official charity
of Heart of Midlothian Football Club.

The next-door neighbours are teaming up to create better outcomes
for individuals and families in South West Edinburgh who are affected by social
isolation. To date over £11,400 has been raised through community fundraising,
with further activities set to take place after the summer.

From their facilities at Tynecastle Park, Big Hearts delivers
programmes to those identified as most vulnerable, including young people
living in Kinship Care – an under-represented, yet common form of care in
Scotland.

Alan Kilpatrick, Managing Director of The North British
Distillery, said: “The North British Distillery is committed to supporting
the local community in which we live and work. Big Hearts does incredibly
important work supporting those affected by social isolation in South West
Edinburgh. We are very much looking forward to continuing the fundraising
activity that we have planned for this year.”

Caryn Kerr, Fundraising and Development Manager of Big Hearts,
said: “It’s been fantastic to take a step forward with our long-time
neighbours for the benefit of our local community. Hosting a special after
school event for Kinship Care families, with dinner provided and full access to
the bowling green is a lovely gesture from The North British Distillery and
we’re delighted the staff got to witness first-hand the difference they are
making through our charity.”

For more information about the valuable work Big Hearts does for the community- and to get involved – click here.