SCOTLAND’S first rum distillery has started a crowdfunding campaign following the overwhelming response to the business’ launch.

Matugga Distillers – which opened in October – aims to secure at least £30,000 to support its ambitious expansion plans and allow it to accelerate production following the surge in demand for their golden and spiced rums “crafted with African soul”.

Paul Rutasikwa, one half of the distillery’s husband and wife team, said: “We have been overwhelmed and humbled by the response to the opening of our new distillery; particularly the volume of requests to invest and enquiries about laying down rum casks.”

The money raised will be split between investment to increase production and taking the rum to new markets.

Crowdfunder participants will get the chance to own one of 1000 bottles of the new Mavuno 2018 rum, and 12 people will be get to lay down their own cask which will be aged for three years in the distillery’s warehouse.