Village People: Sara McCarter, soap maker of Castaway Scotland
This month's Village Green maker is Sara who makes all of the fabulous soaps that we stock.
Photo credit: Ailsa Graham
Where’s your favourite coffee spot?
Steampunk Coffee, just because it is so awesome!
Where’s your favourite place to go in East Lothian?
Probably Seacliff beach but there are so many great beaches to waste time on in East Lothian.
What was the best holiday you’ve ever been on?
3 years ago we rented our house out on Airbnb and my husband and I took the kids to New York and then travelled on from there to spend a month in a cabin in the Puerto Rican rainforest... it was so good that we can't even think about it. I definitely left my heart in Puerto Rico.
How did you start doing what you now do?
I have always been intrigued by the chemistry behind soap-making. I took a soap-making course and absolutely loved the process and the end result. I also noticed that the home-made soaps worked really well for my son who is prone to eczema so I kept experimenting with scents and flavours.
Have you always done what you do?
No, I have had many, many different jobs over the years but have struggled to find something that fits with living in North Berwick and being around when the kids are and during the school holidays.
What’s the best thing about your job?
I get such a buzz out of seeing my products 'out there'. I sometimes have to pinch myself that I can get to do this instead of being in an office - it's great sticking the radio on and boiling up a batch of soap in my own home.
What are you most proud of?
I think it's the salty-drawings. It has been such a long time since I drew anything/ was at art school, so it it makes me very proud that I got back into it and now see my drawings on a product!
What was the last book you read?
Dominicana by Angie Cruz (I loved it)
Do you have a signature dish?
Meatballs and spaghetti
Do you have a claim to fame? (that you're willing to share)
I used to work in the art department of a film production company and was an extra in the film Velvet Goldmine with Ewan McGregor and Toni Collette. I am the one at the back looking very disapproving in a scene of debauchery!
Castaway Scotland Products
