The Scottish Committee met at Ballindalloch Distillery kindly hosted by Liveryman Guy MacPherson-Grant and Past Master Kenny Mackay.
The distillery is part of the Ballindalloch Highland Estate, which dates back to 1499, and owned and managed by the MacPherson-Grant family to his day, encompasses a magnificent castle, farming and forestry, a hotel, golf course, and fishing and shooting activities. The first herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle was started in 1860 at Ballindalloch, and it is now the oldest surviving bloodlines of Aberdeen Angus in the world. The family returned to distilling with the Distillery opening in 2015.
We had a full and busy meeting with members joining in person or over zoom, and we were delighted to be joined by Kirsty Mckerrow, who became a Liveryman last November, as an observer, At the end of the meeting, she agreed to join the Committee. A warm welcome to you Kirsty!
We discussed various matters relating to the Distillers business, including updates from the liaison officers for the two military affiliates, RAF 603 & 42 Squadrons, and ICBD at Heriot Watt University We also spent time finalising the arrangements for the Scottish Dinner at the Signet Library in Edinburgh on the 4th September. It is again proving to be a popular event, and we look forward to welcoming guests on the evening.
At the end of the meeting, Freedom of the Company was granted to Douglas Belford, Managing Director at J&G Grant, Glenfarclas Distillery who was directed to have his Freedom recorded at the Guildhall.
We concluded by inspecting the Distillery and choosing the after dinner dram to be poured at the forth coming Scottish Dinner.
Michael Urquhart CBE
Chairman, Scottish Committee
