College toasts whisky boss
Drinks boss Kenny Mackay has been named Perth College UHI’s alumnus of the year.
Kenny is managing director of Bankfoot-based whisky and liqueur manufacturer Morrison and Mackay Ltd.
He left Perth Academy in 1977 and started as a trainee with Peter Thomson (Perth) Limited, gaining a business studies HNC at Perth College UHI on a day release.
He worked his way up through the company then in 1993 moved to Morrison Bowmore Distillers, promoting the Bowmore, Glengarioch and Auchentoshan brands to international markets.
In 2005 Kenny led a management takeover of The Scottish Liqueur Centre, which developed into Morrison and Mackay Ltd.
The company produces a range of liqueurs including Columba Cream and Bruadar, as well as a range of whiskies which includes Old Perth Scotch Whisky.
In addition to its own brands Morrison and Mackay carries out contract and single-cask bottlings for other producers and is building a new bottling and blending plant just outside Abernethy at Aberargie.
Fiona Leslie from Perth College UHI said: “The award was established to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals who have graduated from Perth College UHI.
“We’re delighted to present Kenny with the annual honour as he has shown excellence within the alumni community, creating his own successful company based within Perthshire, selling to 17 different export markets and doubling turnover within six years.
“Morrison and Mackay Ltd has a major presence in the UK whisky specialist retail trade, as well as being involved in over 60 events across the UK annually.
“We want to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our alumni who have made a major contribution to business, arts, science Kenny Mackay or the community and Kenny is an outstanding example of achieving business success.”
Kenny said: “I’m thrilled to be given this honour. My HNC gave me a qualification that helped me get to where I am today.
“We’re extremely proud of our roots, with all of our production taking place in Perthshire, and the city of Perth’s important role in the worldwide development of Scotch whisky.
“As we are committed to our local community, with our new bottling, blending and office facilities being built at Aberargie, the college also plays an essential part in enriching our communities’ lives by increasing their life chances.”