New Scots brewer behind Swally, Beamer and Belter beers hits the scene

A new Scottish microbrewery has hit the scene despite the challenges of lockdown.

Ronnie Lees, Chester the dog and Kenny Lees of Outlandish Brewing Company.

Launched by Lanarkshire brothers Ronnie and Kenny Lees, Outlandish Brewing Company recently launched its first range of Scottish craft beers.

Inspired by Scottish slang and humour, the beers are named after local lingo phrases such as Swally and Beamer. The core range includes an amber ale, session ale and an IPA, which the fledgling firm has already secured listings for in six independent outlets across Lanarkshire and Stirling.

Following Business Gateway start-up support services and a £40,000 investment of personal funding, the brothers secured second-hand brewing equipment and renovated an old cow shed to create the fully functioning brewery.

The firm has been accepted onto the Smart Accelerator programme delivered through Business Gateway. This has seen the brothers access a variety of online sessions on key topics including marketing, digital, sales strategies and business planning.

Outlandish Brewing hopes to launch a crowdfunding event later this year to help raise additional capital that will take the business to the next level.

Co-founder Ronnie Lees said: “A comprehensive support network, the guidance from Business Gateway has helped equip us to take the plunge and follow our dreams.

“It is great to have someone believe in your business, especially when it’s a professional. Our adviser has boosted our confidence and encouraged a great level of momentum to drive our business forward in 2021.”

Keith Elrick, business adviser at Business Gateway, added: “The team has taken full advantage of a range of the resources we have available for start-ups.”

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