THE Orkney Brewery is to become Orkney Rugby Football Club’s new main sponsor in a major deal announced this week (10 Sept 2007).

The brewery, owned by Cawdor-based Sinclair Breweries Ltd, will support the Caledonia League Division One team for three seasons.

In what is the biggest partnership to date for the brewery, new strips carrying its logo will be supplied to ORFC’s First XV.

Banners and matchboards bearing the Orkney Brewery logo will be used at home games, with promotional samples of all the Orkney beers - Dark Island, Red MacGregor, Skullsplitter, Dragonhead, Northern Light, Raven Ale and Dark Island Reserve - given to opposition teams. Dark Island beer will also be available on tap at the ORFC Pickaquoy clubhouse in Kirkwall.

Orkney Brewery’s support follows a successful ten-year sponsorship of the team by Highland Park.

Managing director of Sinclair Breweries Ltd, Norman Sinclair, said: “As an Orcadian I have keenly followed the fortunes of ORFC over the years. Indeed, when we were in business in Lochaber, my family and I were delighted to sponsor a special cup for a game between Orkney and Lochaber RFC.

“When looking around for potential partnerships for the Orkney Brewery, ORFC were really the obvious choice as they are great ambassadors for the County. We are delighted to be associated with the club and hope the new sponsorship will prove mutually beneficial.”

Mike Girvan, ORFC president, said: “Orkney Rugby Club are privileged to have signed up the Orkney Brewery as the club’s major sponsor for the next three years. Sinclair Breweries Ltd is the most successful local brewery in Scotland with an excellent range of quality beers, much enjoyed in our clubhouse, while Orkney Rugby Club is recognised as one of the most successful community clubs in Scotland. The partnership is crucial to the ongoing success of the club and will allow it to continue to play its part in bringing fitness and fun to the local community. Our profile across Scotland and success within Orkney will also help to build the brand image of the Orkney Brewery.”