A 'Gneiss' taste of the Hebriteas anyone?

Their flagship Lussa Gin, awarded the top three stars in this year’s Great Taste Awards, was one of only three finalists from Scotland.

"It felt like we are getting real affirmation when the competition in the market is so fierce," said Claire. "We are so proud."

And talking of warming drinks, wild swimmers are filling their thermoses with Tiree Tea, co-owned by Rhoda Meek and Becca Hutton, who sell a range of ’Hebriteas’ including ’Machair’, ’Gneiss’, ’Sgitheanach (Skye) Fruit Tea’ and ’Crofter’ breakfast tea.

"I wanted to create a product for tourists and tell the stories of the island," said Rhoda. "The mint and nettle was easy because my croft is covered in it."

Meanwhile on the Isle of Seil it’s been "a massive year of progression" for Hinba Coffee Roasters, named after the mysterious ’Isle of the Sea’ where St Columba found peace from Iona.

"The coffee scene in Scotland is amazing. It has grown really fast," said its director of wholesale Jess Smith.

The company opened its first cafe in Oban and in a few weeks is opening its third in Glasgow.

Argyll’s budding beverage festival was begun by Eve MacFarlane, founder of Argyll Coffee Roasters of Tighnabruaich.

"We were here last year," she said. "I thought why don’t we make a wee coffee festival? When you are in a rural area, you have collaborations. We have all had to work together to increase the quality and choice and the story behind the product. It is good to see so many coffee companies in Argyll."

"Coffee brings everyone together," agreed Mhairi Mackenzie, owner of Isle of Bute Coffee, over a delicious oat milk ice cream.