Global spirits business International Beverage has launched its community charity initiative for a third year, reinforcing its commitment to supporting good causes across its Scottish network.
Launched in 2022, the Spirit of Our Community Awards were created to celebrate and reward people and organisations making a difference in Airdrie and Coatbridge, where the company’s head office is based. In 2023, the programme expanded to include areas surrounding the company’s distilleries in Speyside and the Highlands.
Now a bi-annual initiative, the 2025 awards are split into three zones open to local charities and not-for-profit organisations:
- Zone 1: ML5 and ML6 Airdrie and Coatbridge region
- Zone 2: Within a 35-mile radius of Knockdhu Distillery in Aberdeenshire and Speyburn and Balmenach Distilleries in Speyside
- Zone 3: Within a 35-mile radius of Pulteney Distillery in Wick and Balblair Distillery in Tain
Zone 1 offers a £10,000 award for one charity, with two £1,000 runner-up prizes. Zones 2 and 3 each offer a £5,000 award, with five runners-up across both zones receiving £600 each.
Charities have until midnight on Friday 28 November to submit entries. Submissions will be reviewed by a judging panel made up of distillery team members and representatives from long-standing local charity partners.
The 2023 Zone 1 recipient was Airdrie’s Moira Anderson Foundation, which supports children and adults affected by childhood sexual abuse. Funding was used to expand therapy and counselling services, as well as preventative work.
Its Charity Director Gillian Urquhart said: “The invaluable support provided by the Spirit of Our Community Awards has helped the children, young people and adults referred to us to reach their outcomes and not let their abuse define who they are and what they can achieve.”
More information and entry forms are available on the International Beverage website.
