Made in Scotland: Scottish Fine Soaps
Today’s Made in Scotland products are a family business celebrating a fantastic milestone – 50 years in business!
We were delighted to chat with Gillian from Scottish Fine Soaps. She’s the fourth generation of her family to be working in the business and is Creative Director. She very kindly sat down with us to discuss their wonderful smelling products, where they make their pieces, draw inspiration from and her own favourites from within their vast collection! Read on to discover your own new favourite thing!
Can you tell us how your business got started?
Scottish Fine Soaps were founded in 1974 by my father, Derek Ross, making us a proud 50-year-old this year!
It is part of the Alexander Ross group which dates from 1923 when my great-grandfather started a chemical manufacturing business. SFS originally started as a manufacturer of triple-milled soaps for the luxury market. We still do this today as well as diversifying into the toiletry and gift markets and are now sold in over 20 countries around the world.
Where do you look for inspiration when you are designing new products?
We are inspired by Scotland and the bounty of its land, sea, and heritage. We look to include locally sourced ingredients in each product that enhance the product and the product story. For example. our Sea Kelp collection contains organic locally sourced seaweed and kelp which are powerhouses of nutrients and vitamins for skin renewal.
Can you tell us a bit more about how you make your products?
Our products are made on-site at our factory in Carronshore. All of our soap bars are triple-milled to ensure quality and longevity. This creates a luxuriously smooth and creamy lather along with a long-lasting fragrance.
Scottish Fine Soaps Au Lait range
What are your most popular products and which are your own favourites?
Our Sea Kelp range, Au Lait and Men’s Grooming Thistle & Black Pepper are very popular. Both Sea Kelp and Au Lait are long-running ranges (over 20 years) and are so popular you can see them in top hotels and stately homes (even spotted in Buckingham Palace!). The Hand Washes, 30ml Hand Creams and Men’s Grooming are very popular with our male customers because of their distinctive packaging. My favourite routine is using the Sea Kelp cleansing bar followed by Sea Kelp Body cream and hand cream. I have a 30ml hand cream in every bag I own!
Scottish Fine Soaps Sea Kelp range
If you had to pick one place in Scotland to recommend that people visit, where would it be?
There are so many interesting and exciting places we could suggest. However, I would have to say the Kelpies that are here in Falkirk. Our factory is a short walk from them and the beautiful Helix Park. The park is so accessible, and my family and I love to enjoy long walks with our dog Hooky.
The Kelpies
Which other Scottish Makers do you love to recommend?
Highland Stoneware – another Scottish company started in 1974. We currently collaborate with this amazing pottery company for our Scottish Fine Naturals soap dish. Each piece they make is hand-made, unique and beautiful. A perfect companion for our soap bars!
Thanks so much to Gillian for taking the time to talk with us about these beautiful pieces she and her team make right here in Scotland! Make sure to check out their Website, Facebook and Instagram to find out more and get shopping!