Fife inn marking 300th anniversary with special gin to support highland games

The Ceres Inn will celebrate its 300th birthday next year, with the launch of the Ceres Highland Games Gin to help raise funds for the event.

This year’s games had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With a donation from each bottle sold, it is hoped £1000 can be raised to help ensure the future of the world’s oldest free highland games.

Notwithstanding this year’s cancellation, Ceres Highland Games has been held on the last Saturday in June since 1314 (except for war years) under a charter decreed by Robert the Bruce. This was given in recognition of the 19 men from the village who fought beside him at Bannockburn.

While the inn is marking its 300th anniversary, there are plans to move the business into the future.

Owner Lennox Harrower intends to develop the business into a ‘digital hub’ post pandemic, with the online sale of the gin and the development of the successful ‘lockdown’ takeaway business the first stage. The website will contain access to products and services available locally – not just from the food and drink sector.

Lennox said: “We are delighted to be playing our part in ensuring that the rich history of the games continues and very much hope to be celebrating with them next June, during our own 300th year.”

To support the launch, The Ceres Inn has had ‘invaluable’ one-to-one business support from Business Gateway Fife, which has included Digital Boost support to deliver a digital marketing strategy for the new gin, The Ceres Inn and for its 300th anniversary celebrations next year.

Business Gateway Fife adviser Alasdair Busby said: “Lennox has shown great innovation and commitment and by adapting his business model during this pandemic, it has allowed him to sustain the business and help safeguard its future.

“The Ceres Inn is at the heart of the village and it plays a vital role in the community.”

The Highland Games Commemorative Gin is available to purchase from the Ceres Inn direct.

To purchase a bottle of the gin, call 01334 82830 or order online from the website – www.ceresinn.co.uk.

Business Gateway Fife can be contacted on 01592 858333 for a variety of advice and support. Or visit www.businessgatewayfife.com.