Tuesday December 16th 2025
Breathe Life Sciences Lab (photo by Breathe Life Sciences)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A medical supply company is poised to create 100 new jobs in the Borders through a new medicinal cannabis factory.
Breathe Life Sciences (BLS) have announced plans for a new facility at a yet-to-be revealed location in the Central Borders.
BLS aims to open the new production and distribution centre late next year with the creation of an initial 36 jobs with a three-year business plan earmarking around 100 people to be employed at the site by 2029/30.
The company hope that recruitment will be able to take place after next summer.
Although no cannabis will be grown at the site, a licence from the Home Office will be required.
Based in Sydney, Australia, BLS have manufacturing sites in Europe and Japan including Manchester, Prague and Nagoya.
Cannabis-based medicine is available through the NHS – as well as purchased privately – to help relieve symptoms of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and the side effects of chemotherapy.
Clinical trials are also ongoing to determine how effective it is for chronic pain relief.
BLS plans to use its Scottish base for manufacturing and distributing patient-ready products to meet both the domestic and international markets.
The expansion has been aided by a grant of almost £350,000 – and further loan of £500,000 – from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).
SOSE chairman Russel Griggs said: “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.”
Borders-raised BLS director Gavin Ogilvie is delighted his company is creating a base in the region.
He said: “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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