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Fair Work Secretary hails success of Lerwick Brewery.

The future of brewing in Shetland is in safe hands according to Fair Work Secretary Roseanna Cunningham.

Ms Cunningham was visiting one of Scotland’s smallest breweries – the Lerwick Brewery – where she met head brewer Rhanna Turberville.

Established in 2011 with the capacity to produce 18,000 bottles a week, the brewery’s beers include pale ale Skipper’s Ticket, stout Tushkar and lager 60° North. Their products are now available across Scotland and Northern England, with distributors now secured for the wider UK.

Ms Cunningham said:

“The market for small craft brewed alcoholic drinks is in excellent health with a variety of Scottish craft beers increasingly widely available, and several brands making a real name for themselves internationally.

“Lerwick Brewery have a short history but an exciting future in front of them with the prospect of their beers being available across the UK and a substantial increase in sales high on the agenda.

“But what is particularly impressive in the firm’s female leadership. To have a female brewer at the helm of a beer producer is admirable and sets an example for other similar companies. I am confident that the future of brewing in Shetland is in safe hands!

“There is no such thing as a girl’s job or a boy’s job and Scotland would see an extra £7 billion added to our economy if the number of women-led businesses matched that of men.

"Female employment figures have been particularly strong in recent months, meaning we are on the right track to gender equality, but there is work still to be done.

“I wish the Lerwick Brewery the very best of success for the future, both in raising its profile at home and abroad, and continuing to offer a strong female presence in brewing in the northern isles.”

Head brewer Rhanna Turberville added:

“We are delighted to welcome Ms Cunningham to the Lerwick Brewery. Traditionally the brewing industry is a male dominated sector, however our Shetland based brewery bucks this trend by being headed by two young women.

“I am one of the youngest female head brewers in the UK and work alongside Isla Mercer, the brewery’s Chief Executive based on the Scottish Mainland. We are delighted that Ms Cunningham has recognised the Lerwick Brewery’s employment and development of young professionals in a growing industry and her interest in our progress as a new start-up company.”