Situation vacant: seeking a distiller with adventurous spirit
WHISKY-MAKING on a rugged and remote Scottish island with a backdrop of vast skies, golden eagles soaring overhead and dolphins in the bay may sound like a wistful fantasy, but Scotch whisky maker R&B Distillers hopes to make this dream a reality for one lucky individual this year.
R&B is in the process of building the first legal distillery on the island of Raasay, off the east coast of the Isle of Skye, and is now on the hunt for a distiller to produce the island’s first single malt whisky.
The whisky-maker will be required to relocate to the picturesque but isolated island where they will become an integral part of the close-knit Raasay community of 120 inhabitants (as well as a colony of rare bats, otters and voles).
A formal qualification in distilling and practical experience is essential for the role. R&B has expressed that ‘enthusiasm for the multifariousness of island life’ is vital for the applicant. It adds: ‘The island has minimal facilities – one café and bar only open during the summer months, a small community shop and a bat hotel – and is a ferry journey to mainland Scotland.’
The spokesperson continued: ‘R&B’s distillery will reinstate whisky-making in this forgotten whisky region of Scotland as well as providing up to 10 per cent of the island’s employment and bringing tourists to the island to witness whisky-making in action: the successful distiller will have a chance to be a part of this exciting story.’