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A global medical supply company, Breathe Life Sciences (BLS), is preparing to establish a cannabis manufacturing and distribution centre in the Scottish Borders region. Scheduled to open late next year, this new facility will initially create 36 jobs, with plans to expand the workforce to approximately 100 within three years. Headquartered in Sydney, BLS already operates licensed manufacturing sites in Manchester, Prague, and Nagoya, Japan.
CEO Sam Watson emphasized the importance of the Scottish venture, stating, “This is a fast-growing industry and coming to Scotland is part of our plans for meeting demand.” Since the UK legalized medicinal cannabis in 2018, the market has grown substantially, now valued at around £250 million annually. Industry projections suggest that the number of patients actively using medicinal cannabis could rise from 80,000 today to more than 190,000 by 2030.
The decision to invest in the Borders was influenced by both the growing UK market and the involvement of two local directors, Gavin and Andrew Ogilvie from Melrose. Mr. Watson noted: “In the whole of the European market, the UK is the quickest growing area. There are very few manufacturers of these products in the UK – most are imported – so we will be building a Scottish pharmaceutical manufacturing infrastructure to satisfy that market.” He also highlighted that public support played a key role in legalizing medicinal cannabis, which is “rigorously tested, quality-assured, more affordable, and of course fully legal.”
Medicinal cannabis is currently available through both the NHS and private providers to help alleviate symptoms of conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy side effects. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating its effectiveness in managing chronic pain. BLS intends to use its new Scottish facility not only to supply the domestic market but also to distribute patient-ready cannabis-derived products internationally.
Support for the expansion has been bolstered by financial backing from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), which has contributed nearly £350,000 in grants alongside a £500,000 loan. SOSE chairman Russel Griggs remarked, “With a surge in the number of life sciences companies wanting to come to our region, the south is quickly positioning itself as a hub for innovation and growth in the emerging medicinal cannabis industry. BLS will bring further investment and skilled jobs, and are the latest company to recognise that the south of Scotland is a fantastic place to do innovative business.”
Although the new plant will not cultivate cannabis on-site, BLS will require a Home Office license to operate. While much of the facility is already prepared and senior roles have been filled, additional regulatory scrutiny must be passed before full authorization is granted. The company anticipates recruiting more staff after summer, with production aimed to begin before the year’s end.
Director Gavin Ogilvie expressed his enthusiasm about establishing the company’s UK base in the Borders, saying, “This is where I grew up and when we discussed setting up the new manufacturing base in the UK, it was important for me to drive the direction towards the Borders. We will offer highly skilled pharmaceutical jobs – both at entry level and for people with experience. We are indebted to both South of Scotland Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council for helping to make this happen.”
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