A Major Expansion in Scotland's Borders
A multinational medical supply company, Breathe Life Sciences (BLS), is making a significant move into Scotland with a new cannabis manufacturing facility in the Borders. This expansion is set to create 36 jobs initially, with plans to grow the workforce to around 100 within three years. The Sydney-based firm, which already operates licensed sites in Manchester, Prague, and Nagoya, aims to open its first Scottish manufacturing and distribution centre by the end of next year.
Breathe Life Sciences will open its first Scottish manufacturing and distribution centre next year
Driving Growth in a Fast-Growing Industry
CEO Sam Watson highlighted the strategic importance of this move: "This is a fast-growing industry and coming to Scotland is part of our plans for meeting demand." Since medicinal cannabis was legalised in the UK in 2018, the market has surged to an annual value of approximately £250 million. Industry research predicts that the number of active patients will rise from 80,000 currently to over 190,000 by the end of the decade.
Sam Watson, CEO of Breathe Life Sciences
Why Scotland? Market Opportunities and Local Connections
The decision to establish a base in the central Scottish Borders was influenced by both the booming UK market—the quickest growing in Europe—and the presence of two locally based directors, Gavin and Andrew Ogilvie from Melrose. Watson noted, "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."
Medicinal cannabis is now prescribed to over 80,000 people in the UK
Medicinal Benefits and Economic Impact
Cannabis-based medicines, available through the NHS and privately, are used to alleviate symptoms of conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy side effects, with ongoing trials for chronic pain relief. BLS plans to use its Scottish facility for manufacturing and distributing patient-ready products to meet domestic and international demand.
Support from Local Enterprises
The expansion has been bolstered by a grant of almost £350,000 and a further loan of £500,000 from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE). Chairman Russel Griggs commented, "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."
Gavin Ogilvie, Director of Breathe Life Sciences
Regulatory Steps and Recruitment Plans
Although no cannabis will be grown on-site, the manufacturing plant requires a licence from the Home Office, with facilities undergoing rigorous scrutiny. BLS aims to begin wider recruitment after the summer, with production starting before year-end. Director Gavin Ogilvie expressed pride in creating jobs in his hometown: "We will offer highly skilled pharmaceutical jobs—both at entry level and for experienced professionals."
A Boost for Scotland's Economy
This initiative not only brings investment and skilled employment but also reinforces Scotland's role in the global medicinal cannabis sector, leveraging local talent and enterprise support to drive innovation and economic growth.
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