Scentsational Scotland

Scents of nostalgia

For entrepreneur Sandy Crawford, it's peat reek that has the sweet smell of success. Brora-based Sandy has come up with the novel idea of selling small cones made from local peat to tourists who can burn them in their homes to remind them of their Scottish connections. His 'Smells of Home' range has already attracted considerable interest from the trade, as well as the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre where the aroma of burning peat is regarded as the perfect accompaniment to a dram.

The nose knows

Clients of perfumer George Dodd may well prefer something more subtle. One of the greatest noses of his generation, George founded the Olfaction Research Group (the only smell research group in the UK) and organised the world's first conference on the Psychology of Perfumery before moving to the Highlands in 1994. Here, he established Aroma Perfumes and Aromasciences in a croft at Loch Awe in Wester Ross. Driven by a desire to create the best perfumes in the world for an international audience, George has introduced a revolutionary sniff'n'buy service that allows customers the time to get to know unfamiliar fragrances.

Leading lights

Essential oils, derived from plants, flowers, trees, bushes and seeds, provide the fragrances too for many of Scotland's leading candle makers. From its grass-roofed, timber studio in Ross-Shire,Glenelg Candles produce a range of handcrafted candles, including 'Aroma Floaters' and their locally popular Anti-Midge candles. Caithness Candles in John O'Groats, meanwhile, specialises in more unusual, shaped and carved candles, whilst Wicked Wax Works in the West Highlands do a popular line in chocolate scented candles. For Faerie Candles in pixie purple, gremlin green and banshee blue, Birthstone Candles and Glitter Balls, try the aptly named Skyelight Candles in Staffin on the Isle of Skye.

International appeal

Further down the coast resides one of Scotland's best known and most internationally successful island enterprises. Within a rural idyll, Arran Aromatics has been producing its world famous candles, oils and soaps ever since 1989. Today, their range includes over 250 products and a fragranced candle to match every mood.

Other high flyers include Edinburgh-born Hilery Dorrian whose company, Barefoot Botanicals, produces a range of therapeutic plant-based body care products now stocked on the shelves of Harrods and the Isle of Skye Soap Company, winners of 'Scottish Gift of the Year' 2003. The Portree-based company produces Hand Crafted Aromatherapy Soap without any colouring, using only the purest essential oils. Its original Skye range is as clear as the water surrounding the island, whilst the Cuillin range is as rugged as the mountains which give it its name.

For some, the locality provides more than just the inspiration it provides the materials too. While sheep graze in the crofts alongside, the Hebridean Soap Company at Callanish on the Isle of Lewis uses local peppermint and comfrey herbs, as well as the delightfully named 'Angels Tears' (soft and abundant Lewis rainwater) in its soaps. A novel addition is a sprinkling of Scottish oatmeal to create a gentle exfoliating effect. Or what about multi award-winning Caurnie Soap, Scotland's oldest soap maker, whose latest launch Whisky and Lime soap releases the spirit of Scotland and the Scots in every wash. Founded in the same year, Scottish Fine Soaps at Carronshore in the Ochil Hills boasts a turnover of half a million pounds, 60% of which comes from international sales. It's surprising the places Scottish soaps can reach.

One company that has gone a step further is Edinburgh-based Herbaria which recently exported not just its products but its expertise. Founded in 2002 by Monica Wilde, who also runs her own successful design agency, the company produces a range of herb and handmade soaps inspired by the healing properties of the plants around us. Last August, Monica was invited to take time out from her Scottish obligations to help a group of women in Ghana to improve their locally made soap for export. The result is Black Palm Soft Soap a completely natural soap with the consistency of a honey-like gel. Launched at the Natural Products Europe show at Olympia this April, the new soap looks set to clean up.