Skye’s the limit as brewery crowdfunds

Isle of Skye Brewery is to use crowdfunding in a bid to raise a minimum of £150,000 to fund expansion plans, including a new visitor centre at its base in Uig.

Managing director of the Isle of Skye Brewery Kenny Webster

The brewery, which has been established since 1995 and is projected to turn over £800,000 in the current year – up 28 per cent on 2013 – is seeking to attract relatively small sums from a large number of people to fund a doubling of its business by 2017.

Already in excess of £11,000 has been donated by 15 investors since the bid went live this week on Scottish-based crowdfunding site Squareknot.

Kenny Webster, the company’s managing director, said investment opportunities would be attractive to both craft beer enthusiasts and professional investors.

“We have exciting and ambitious plans for the Isle of Skye Brewery and we are offering our valued customers the opportunity to be part of our expansion,” he said.

“Those who enjoy our beers and would like to support our development can pledge as little as £90, entitling them to a small number of shares, voting and dividend rights and some great benefits and discounts.”

He said experienced investors who have more money to spend can buy shares at a discounted priced in the knowledge they are investing in an established business, under sound management and with a determination to grow.

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