Our latest 'Introducing Orkney's Makers' feature focuses on Moonshine Candle Co, a small-batch candle company inspired by Orkney's elements. We spoke with owner and maker, Catherine Leask, to find out more about her business.
Where did the idea for Moonshine Candle Co come from?
In 2020, I was studying for my Master’s degree in Edinburgh when the pandemic hit. I came home to Orkney to stay with my family for what we all thought would be just three weeks of lockdown, but I quickly realised I was going to be here for much longer.
Looking for something creative to do that didn't involve staring at screens all day, I ordered a free candle-making kit and soon became completely obsessed with the process. I loved experimenting with different waxes, fragrances, vessels and wicks, trying to achieve the perfect melt pool and a strong scent throw.
Meanwhile, as my friends in cities spent lockdown confined to their flats, I found myself developing a newfound appreciation for island life. The open spaces, natural beauty and stillness of Orkney suddenly felt even more special, and I realised just how lucky I was to call this place home.
That inspired me to start developing fragrances that reflected Orkney, with the idea of bringing a little piece of Orkney and the calm nature of island living into people's homes, wherever they were.
With £400 I'd saved from my student loan, I was able to produce my first collection of six candle scents, made at my mum's kitchen table. What started as a lockdown hobby gradually grew into something bigger!
What kind of products do you offer?
Our product range has grown to soy wax candles, wax melts, reed diffusers, car perfumes, hand and body washes, lotions, organic soap bars and lip balms. From home fragrance to bath and body essentials, we focus on creating design led, high-quality products that add a little luxury, and a little piece of Orkney to everyday routines.
What role does Orkney play in your business – do the islands offer any inspiration when it comes to developing your products?
Orkney is at the heart of everything we do. Our fragrances are inspired by the places, memories and slower pace of island life, with each scent telling a story. For example, our scents 'Happy Valley' and 'Binscarth Bluebell' are inspired by those beautiful local spots where people go to enjoy a quiet moment, while 'Orkney Sea Salt' captures that feeling of heading to the coast to clear your head. 'Island Romance' takes inspiration from island-hopping staycations, and one of our Christmas Scents is 'St. Lucy' inspired by our tree lighting ceremony in Kirkwall and our Scandinavian connections.
I want each product to capture a little of what makes Orkney so special, whether that's a familiar place, a happy memory or simply the feeling of slowing down. Life can be so busy, and I love the idea that something as simple as lighting a candle at the end of the day, or using a beautifully fragranced hand wash, can encourage someone to take a moment for themselves.
It's about bringing a little piece of Orkney into people's homes, wherever they may be.
What are your future plans for the business?
There are some really well-known home fragrance brands from other Scottish islands, such as Skye, Harris and Arran, that you instantly recognise on shop shelves, but I always felt there was a gap for Orkney. I wanted to create a brand that people would recognise and associate with our islands in the same way.
Looking ahead, I'd love to continue growing our presence across the UK, reaching more independent retailers and introducing more people to Moonshine. I'm in the process of building a new workshop, which is an exciting next step, and I'd love to continue expanding our team as we grow.
Maybe one day we'll have our own Moonshine Candle Co. shop in Kirkwall - which is something we get asked about from customers planning their trips to Orkney.
Christmas is coming - what’s your favourite thing about the festive season in Orkney?
The community spirit in Orkney at Christmas is really special. Whether it's the incredible number of people who turn out to support local craft fairs, the friendly atmosphere at our candle-making workshops, or shared traditions like visiting Shearer's Christmas shop and enjoying the late-night shopping events, there's such a lovely sense of community.
I love spending time visiting friends and family, seeing everyone's cosy Christmas decorations and enjoying all of the festive scents (of course). I also love the contrast of crisp coastal walks during the day, followed by dark, cosy evenings.
If you could have one other Orkney product for Christmas, what would it be?
An Orkney gin is always a good gift, or knitwear from Hilary Grant - her work is beautiful.
Find out more about Moonshine Candle Co and visit the official website to order online.
You can also find Moonshine Candle Co on Instagram.