New Recruit At Distillery Reflects Local Hiring Commitment

Ardgowan Distillery has hired Inverclyde local Matt Blair as its production co-ordinator.

Matt (26), who lives in Greenock, will take a key role in developing and marketing new releases for the distillery, which has already produced two award-winning blended malts under its Clydebuilt label.

He will work closely with Max McFarlane, the distillery’s whisky maker — and himself an Inverclyde local — and production manager Nicola Campbell, who hails from Islay, as the company ramps up production in the years ahead.

Work has already begun on a gin facility, which will come online next year, with construction of the flagship distillery at Bankfoot, Inverkip to start in the spring.

Matt (pictured above) said: “It is so exciting to be joining the distillery as it is about to take shape, and to be involved in making whisky from day one.

“It’s a real plus that the distillery is in Inverclyde and I think it will be a significant tourist draw in the years ahead.”

Distillery chief executive Martin McAdam said: “Matt is a valuable addition to the team. His design experience will be a real asset as we develop and market new products.

“We have a very strong commitment to employing locally. Already we work with Gourock property specialists Bowman Rebecchi and Port Glasgow suppliers Scotcrest, and our ambition is to use local firms and employees as much as we can.

“My colleagues are already working with the Inverclyde Community Development Trust and we hope we can continue working with them to provide training opportunities for local people who will become part of the Ardgowan team.

“Our goal is to build a world-class whisky distillery and visitor centre which will attract tourists and bring economic and social benefits to Inverclyde. I hope Matt will be the first of many local employees.”