THE Luss couple behind an award-winning brewery are raising a glass in celebration after clinching a major contract with the Co-op.

Fiona and Euan MacEachran, from the Loch Lomond Brewery, will supply three of their ales to 90 Co-op food stores across Scotland.

And this week they revealed to the Reporter that the six-figure contract, coming on top of an already booming business, means they are looking to expand into bigger premises, with more jobs in the pipeline.

Euan said their brewery, at Lomond Industrial Estate in Alexandria, was "bursting at the seams".

He said: "Next year is going to be massive, with increased sales. We will need bigger premises in the next couple of years. We are exploring all avenues and options but will stay local in the Loch Lomond area.

"It's all good positive stuff and it's not going to calm down."

The firm which employs six, including Fiona and Euan, is now looking to hire a minimum of six more staff, with two of these being hired in the spring.

The couple said they were delighted to secure the Co-op deal as it would sit among the top three major retail contracts that they now had.

Fiona said: "Working with the Co-op will increase the availability, awareness and accessibility of our beers.”

The contract, which could be the equivalent of an estimated 30,000 pints over the next 12 months, comes at a key moment for the brewery which is marking its sixth anniversary.

They already supply Asda, Morrisons and Marks and Spencer, and in September swept the boards at the SIBA Scotland Independent Beer Awards.

Euan said: "We think our meticulous attention to detail and the use of the best ingredients available has helped us produce some really exciting beers. "This is endorsed by the multiple top awards the brewery has picked up and the ever-increasing number of customers and followers we have.

"We brew lots of different ale styles and have always got new recipes planned. Part of the excitement is brewing new beers styles and giving our customers variety and new things to try."

He added: "The brewery is also undertaking an exciting rebrand which will be launched in the new year."

Fiona, 42, is a former police woman in Glasgow and Euan, also 42, was a projects manager with a construction company. They have three children, Isla, 14, Struan, 12, and Callan, 10. The family live in Luss.

Charlotte Bleasdale, ranging manager for the Co-op in Scotland, said the company was committed to championing local suppliers.

She added: “The combination of innovation, tradition, quality and passion make these ales prized and much sought after locally. We know that food provenance really matters to our customers.

"Quality and trust are key for consumers and the Co-op is committed to investing in its local communities, providing opportunities to showcase, support and celebrate great food and drink.”

Jake Woods, Co-op beer buyer, said locally produced ale was an exciting category.

"We see significant potential for sustainable growth, and we are delighted to champion local beers which use great local ingredients, draw their inspiration from their environment, and are brewed with pride and passion to deliver consistently great quality and taste.”