A GIN inspired by Inverclyde’s shipbuilding heritage has been launched by a local entrepreneur.

Shipyard Gin was founded by Greenock-born Andy Samuel, inspired by his grandfather John Samuel who worked in the yards as a plater in the 1930s and 1940s.

The new gin is based on gorse, elderflower and heather, all of which are grown locally. John Samuel would make wine from berries and flowers, including elderberries, collected in the area.

Shipyard Gin, which is 44 per cent alcohol by volume in strength, was developed by Andy Samuel with head distiller Lewis Scothern, with the recipe refined over six months and three trial distillations. It is currently available to buy on the brand’s website, with Mr Samuel hoping to secure customers across the UK and in international markets.

He pursued the gin project when his existing business as a wedding filmmaker was paused during lockdown.

“It’s a pipe dream I’ve had for a long time, but I never thought it would turn into reality,” Mr Samuel said.

“As wedding filmmakers, our business just dropped off a cliff when Covid hit, and we went from 38 weddings to only filming two last year. I thought – this is a great opportunity to start Shipyard Gin – because I had lots of time on my hands. So, I started looking into it – and now it’s launched.”

He added: “The uniqueness of this gin is its link to the shipyards, and this can be applied to lots of different shipbuilding areas around the UK, like Liverpool, Newcastle, Sunderland and Belfast.

“It also has global appeal and we’ve had some interest already from a hotel chain in the United States.”

Shipyard Gin is based in Gourock’s old municipal buildings. Mr Samuel’s ultimate plan is to open a microdistillery. He said: “This would hopefully become a tourist attraction and could run tours that highlight the heritage of the shipyards.”