Matugga Distillers is set to begin rum production at its new facility in Livingston, Scotland.

The new £100,000 distillery is said to be the first rum distillery to begin production in central Scotland.

Founded by Paul and Jacine Rutasikwa, Matugga Distillers produces Matuga Golden Rum and Matuga Spiced Rum. The new facility is equipped with two 200l copper pot stills, which have the capacity to produce around 50,000l of artisanal rum in its first year.

By next year, the distiller intends to create new full-time employment opportunities and anticipates to increase the facility’s turnover by 400%.

Paul Rutasikwa said: “Scotland has hundreds of years of distilling expertise and history.

“Next year will see us focus on making friends and contacts in the on-trade and off-trade.”

“This, combined with my African heritage, is what will inspire us to create new and exciting rums. We can think of no better place to be launching our new distillery and beginning such an exciting journey.

“The ethos of Matugga Distillers is underpinned by the Swahili saying ‘pole pole’ (pronounced poleh poleh), which means ‘slowly slowly’. We want people to slow down, sip, savour and share our rums with friends and family.”

The company started distilling rum in London in 2015. It is also planning to further enhance its Matugga Rum series.

Jacine Rutasikwa said: “Building on the success we’ve had in Europe, the next year will see us focus on making friends and contacts in the on-trade and off-trade; while continuing to bring something different to the UK rum scene as a whole.”