Raise a dram to future of very old craft

A new coopering facility backed by £1.3million investment is to be launched in Callander in a major vote of confidence in Scotland’s Scotch whisky industry.

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

Gary Drummond, a second-generation cooper with more than 18 years of experience, has founded Trossachs Cooperage — a new coopering facility.

Creating 12 skilled local jobs in the first year, four long-service coopers who bring more than 120 years of combined experience to the business are some of the first to join the team. Trossachs Cooperage is also investing in the future of the craft, with four apprentices to be recruited.

Working towards becoming a certified training hub and a member of the National Cooperage Federation, the cooperage will deliver the apprenticeship training, offering a customised SVQ Award.

Gary's father — himself an experienced cooper — will also be mentoring the apprentices as they learn the coopering craft.

The cooperage will be based at newly secured premises on the Cambusmore Estate, Ballachallan, which are currently undergoing a comprehensive fit-out ahead of operations beginning this month. It will feature custom-built, state-of-the-art machinery, including a high-spec rejuvenation system with the latest safety features.

The business is backed by a Scottish investment group comprising successful business entrepreneurs with a proven track record, including directors Alan Wright and Tim Allan.

Alan brings extensive senior management experience from some of the whisky industry's leading names, while Tim adds broad commercial insight through his roles as former President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Chair of V&A Dundee.