The owners of Shetland Soap Company are promising visitors to their new factory shop in Lerwick a pleasant assault on their senses when the doors open for the first time on Saturday (23 November).

With shelves stocked full of soaps of every colour and fragrance, and the chance to find out more about the soap-making process, there will be lots for customers to see, do, touch and smell.

Every item is handmade on the premises and visitors to the factory will see the processes involved in making some of the soap products - from melting the soap chips and adding the fragrances and colours to setting them in moulds and slicing the finished product.

There are over 80 different soaps available, and with varieties including honey and oatmeal, clove and vanilla, and mint, the product list reads more like a menu.  And with herbal therapy products to soothe aches and worries, as well as gels, cleansers, balms, creams, bubble baths, shampoos and moisturisers, there is sure to be something for everyone.

The people behind the scenes have been working towards this day for several months and have been busy filling the shelves with their hand-made products since they completed their training in the manufacturing techniques.

All the staff are members of the social firm COPE Ltd (Community Opportunities for Participation in Enterprise) which provides training, support and employment for adults with disabilities. 

Frank Millsopp, the manager of COPE Ltd explains how it works:  "The objective behind this initiative is to provide training, support and employment opportunities to people with learning or physical disabilities. Operating in this 'niche' market will create new opportunities for the development of skills, increase confidence and help change perceptions about how adults with disabilities can contribute to the local economy."

The products are made on site from natural and safe ingredients, with some of the heather, seaweed and sand elements coming from Shetland itself to add a local touch.

Susanne Astwood, manager of the shop explains:  "Our products are handmade and contain only natural ingredients. By using essential oils our soaps have a fresh and long lasting fragrance. The glycerine soap is particularly moisturising and creamy and we hope the public will like them, and enjoy the chance to find out a bit more of how we make them."

Shetland Enterprise has assisted the venture with business advice and a financial package totalling £44,693 towards the £142,000 project.  The grant was used towards staff training and equipment.  Shetland Soap Ltd also received funding from Social Firms UK and Shetland Island Council.

Jane Thomas, Community Development Manager with Shetland Enterprise said:  "This is a particularly worthwhile project to support as it promotes equal opportunities and social inclusion.  Not only does it create vital employment for six people but provides some really delightful products, which I'm sure will be a great hit with the customers."