Potential buyers line up for Crieff distillery

Interest means shortlist expected by September

Efforts to sell Crieff’s iconic Glenturret Distillery are said to have attracted international interest.

Drinks firm Edrington announced earlier this year it had placed the historic Strath capital site, which employs 31 people, on the market as a going concern.

Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Roseanna Cunningham recently met with John Laurie, Glenturret’s general manager, and Graham Hutcheon – an operations manager with Edrington – to discuss the sale of Scotland’s oldest single malt Scotch whisky distillery, which has a history dating back 250 years.

The Crieff-based SNP politician said: “There is absolutely no doubt that news about the sale of Glenturret and the consequent departure of the Famous Grouse Experience from Crieff came as a bit of a shock for many in this area and I made it quite clear to the representative from Edrington that the announcement could have been handled far better.

“As the oldest working malt whisky distillery in Scotland, with distinctive aspects to its production process, Glenturret has a number of unique selling points which are important within the competitive malt whisky market and I was pleased to learn that Edrington have received multiple notes of interest from potential buyers and their intention is to create a shortlist by September.

“I was, however, also keen to hear the views of both Mr Laurie and Mr Hutcheon on the future potential for Glenturret Distillery under a new owner since Glenturret and Famous Grouse have both benefited from the existing set up. It is important to note, of course, that the association with Famous Grouse and Edrington only plays a small part of Glenturret’s 250-year history and the distillery itself will continue to be a significant magnet attraction for visitors coming in to the area.

“I am certain that, with or without the Famous Grouse Experience, both the brand and distillery associated with Glenturret would be an extremely attractive proposition for any buyer.

“The team are optimistic for the future and the distillery’s unique selling point as the oldest working distillery is still a tourist draw.”

An Edrington spokesperson said: “We were pleased to have the opportunity to update Ms Cunningham on the positive progress of the sale process for the Glenturret.

“We announced in June that we were looking for buyers for the distillery as part of our greater focus and investment to support the long-term growth of our portfolio. The sale process is progressing well and we believe that the Glenturret will thrive under new ownership, where it will be a high priority for investment.

“We are consulting with staff about the process and anticipate that all 31 employees will transfer to a new owner.”

Meanwhile, following representations made by Ochil and South Perthshire MP Luke Graham, the UK-wide Department for International Trade’s (DIT) investment committee has agreed to promote the sale of the distillery through its GREAT investment campaign.

The Conservative politician said this action by the DIT will further raise the profile of the sale, which has already garnered international coverage.

He added: “I am pleased the DIT is taking these steps to support Crieff.

“I will continue to do everything I can to support this site and keep jobs in our area.”