When East Lothian–based founder Laura Thomas packed up her life in New Zealand after the end of a relationship, she returned to the UK with two children, £200 and a determination to start again. Ten years later, her sustainable lifestyle brand Laura Thomas Co has grown from a kitchen-table idea into a company supplying boutique hotels across Europe — and now, she’s designed two exclusive product ranges for Balmoral Estate.
From one lavender candle to a lifestyle brand
In 2014, Laura set out to live a life free from synthetic chemicals. Her first creation — a lavender candle to help improve sleep naturally — was a success, quickly sparking demand for more. Soon came a full range of refillable, plant-based products, from hand lotions and shampoos to soothing eye gels and nourishing body washes.
“Laura Thomas Co was born of a simple desire to live a more natural life,” she explains. “It has since evolved into a brand that supports a holistic, plant-focused lifestyle, empowering people to live in harmony with nature. Today, it is more than just a product line, it is a catalyst for a more mindful way of life.”
So when Balmoral Estate — known for its commitment to protecting the environment — approached her to collaborate, it felt like a natural match. “Balmoral Estate has long advocated for the need to take better care of our planet, championing a deep understanding and appreciation of the beauty and power of nature. So, of course when I was approached to create products for Balmoral, I jumped at the chance.”
A royal collaboration rooted in nature
Laura wanted the new ranges to reflect the scents that fill the gardens surrounding the royal residence. She turned to ingredients such as fir needle and cedarwood to capture the woody calm of Balmoral’s forests, alongside bog myrtle — found in abundance on the estate and known for its soothing antiseptic and anti-ageing qualities.
The result is two luxurious, plant-based collections: The Laura Thomas Co × Balmoral Woodland Range and The Laura Thomas Co × Balmoral Garden Range.
The Balmoral collections
Each range includes a bubble bath, bath salts, shower wash, hand wash, hand lotion and reed diffuser, made with Laura Thomas Co’s signature natural formulations and beautifully recyclable packaging.
The Woodland Range blends fir needle, cedarwood, rosemary and patchouli to evoke the fresh, grounding scent of a walk through Balmoral’s forests. The Garden Range brings a lighter touch with pink grapefruit, neroli, bergamot and lavender — capturing the floral notes of the royal gardens in bloom.
A mindful approach to luxury
From her North Berwick base, Laura has built a brand rooted in sustainability, with every detail considered — from packaging made with recycled coffee cups to biodegradable, non-toxic inks. Today, her products are found in boutique hotels across the UK, Sweden and Iceland, as well as in her flagship East Lothian store.
Both Laura Thomas Co × Balmoral ranges are available now, exclusively at balmoralcastle.com/shop.
