A ground-breaking facility for extracting plant oil has been formally opened by Environment Secretary, Richard Lochhead.

The Essentially Scottish Botanicals steam distillation unit in Beauly will be used to extract oil from Myrica gale an indigenous Scottish plant more commonly known as Bog myrtle.

Boots has struck a long-term contract with the company to supply them with the oil for use in cosmetic and healthcare products giving the potential to add differentiation and value to their brands.

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Mr Lochhead said: "By using a naturally thriving Scottish plant to provide local employment and prospects further afield, Essentially Scottish Botanicals is a business which ticks all of the boxes.

"And with Boots increasingly stocking products containing sustainably sourced ingredients Bog myrtle is a perfect example of what Scotland has to offer. Bog myrtle, or Myrica gale, can be used in a multitude of goods from cosmetics to sun care and even has the potential for use in household and veterinary products."

(GK/BMcc)