One of Lanarkshire’s leading breweries has sealed up its mash tun for the last time, saying their business has become unviable.
Founded in 2004, Strathaven Ales has gone about establishing itself as one of Scotland’s best craft beer producers, winning numerous awards throughout the years.
However, an increase in energy costs and raw materials “to the tune of around 40-50 per cent” was too much for the company to absorb.
In a post on their Facebook page this morning, they wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I now inform you that Strathaven Ales has ceased brewing.
“This decision did not come easy, but we are a victim of the ever increasing raw material and energy costs.”
Speaking with Lanarkshire Live shortly after breaking the news online, director Craig Buchanan confirmed there would be around five job losses at the firm, including his own.
An engineer to trade, Craig founded the business with his father Douglas and retired doctor, Alan Young.
They quickly set about establishing a core range of beers and developing the business from their Craigmill Brewery in Strathaven.
Craig and Douglas kept things in the family, with his son Ross coming on 10 years ago and becoming a brewer. He was joined four years later by Ben, who ran the sales and administration side of the company.
A heartbroken Craig told us today: “After 18 years, it’s a really sad day.
“But the bottom line is that the rising costs of energy and raw materials, as well as the impact the COVID pandemic had on the industry, it’s just no longer sustainable.
“Pubs and shops aren’t buying as much now as they did pre-COVID, and some of the places we used to trade with simply didn’t open up after the pandemic.
“Pre-COVID, everything was fine. Then overnight we were shut for a year, the team were on furlough and our costs went through the roof.”
Craig said the firm have seen rising costs of between 40 and 50 per cent - a cost they could no longer absorb or pass on to their customers.
Having explored all avenues and opportunities, it was clear that it was time to call it a day.
He added: “We’re in an old mill building, which isn’t the most efficient to produce from.
“It’s being sold in a few years time and we just couldn’t see a long term future the way things are going.”
The firm have some bottled and cask beer available which will be sold at a vastly reduced cost as a “thank you” to their supporters over the years.
To find out more about how you can pick up some of this, please email the brewery on sales@strathavenales.com or call 01357 520419.
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