“Accidental Gin Maker” and Gin Bothy Founder, Kim Cameron, today (September 20th) celebrates the 10th anniversary of Jam Bothy, the brand that started it all. As the initial venture of the now globally established Bothy Trading Group, the artisanal producer has launched three new preserves; a blackcurrant jam, an orange and cranberry jam, and a long-awaited chutney.
The milestone marks a decade since Kim first began making jams and marmalades in a bothy kitchen in the Angus Glens. It was here that her gin journey began, using leftover fruit juice to create the now-famous Gin Bothy Raspberry Gin.
After finding success at the 2014 World Jampionships with her homemade recipe, Kim was inspired to convert a traditional bothy in rural Angus into a production kitchen, giving way to the Jam Bothy. Committed to using seasonal, local fruit, the brand quickly became known for its high-quality preserves, before being placed on hiatus to focus on production of Gin Bothy spirits.
Gin Bothy has since grown into one of Scotland’s leading drinks producers, with over 65,000 units sold annually across the globe. Most recently, their Original Gin was included in the 96th Oscars nominee gift bags and taken home by stars like Cillian Murphy and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Relaunched last summer at the Royal Highland Show, the Jam Bothy’s new Scottish Blackcurrant Jam, Cranberry & Orange Jam, and Scottish Apple Chutney will join its reimagined line-up. These will sit alongside whisky, gin, and rum marmalades, as well as seasonal Scottish favourites like Raspberry & Gin, Rhubarb & Ginger, Strawberry & Champagne, and Chilli Jam.
Kim said: “Sourcing over five tonnes of fruit from local farms like Croft Farm and Castleton Farm ensures that our products are not only fresh but also truly Scottish. Working with local growers allows us to celebrate the incredible produce available on our doorstep.”
“From berries delivered within hours of picking to blackcurrants from Blairgowrie and plums from orchards across Angus, local fruit is at the heart of everything we create, from jams to gins.”
Coming full-circle, Kim will now use the leftover fruit juice from Jam Bothy’s Scottish Blackcurrant Jam to develop a new vodka under sister brand Hipflask Spirits.
Reflecting on the journey, Kim said: “Returning to where it all began feels truly special. As part of our anniversary, we’re launching new jams that embody our commitment to creativity and sustainability. Repurposing the fruit from our jams into our spirits has always been a core value of Bothy Brands, and this zero-waste philosophy remains at the heart of what we do.”
The Jam Bothy’s 10th anniversary comes during a time of significant growth across the Bothy Brand portfolio, including a move to new premises in Forfar to enhance production capabilities, the launch of the Bothy Butter and a deal with Morrisons to stock Hipflask Spirits in their Scottish stores.
Kim concludes: “It’s hard to believe how quickly the past decade has passed. Looking back at everything we’ve achieved across the Bothy brands, it’s humbling to think it all started in that tiny bothy kitchen. We’re excited to continue sharing our new products with our loyal customers, who’ve been with us every step of the way.”
Available online and in-store at the Bothy Experience in Glamis and the Bothy Larder in Forfar. Visit and try the Jam Bothy range or www.ginbothy.co.uk/jambothy for more information.
