Scotch whisky veteran behind Isle of Harris Distillery exits
Asked by The Herald about the outcome of a recent redundancy programme at the distillery, which was implemented amid tough trading conditions for the sector, a spokeswoman said today that 18 staff had 'chosen to take voluntary redundancy earlier this year, with the company supporting them to find employment elsewhere'.
Ron MacEachran, executive chairman at Isle of Harris Distillers, said today: 'We remain confident, notwithstanding the challenges and significant change being managed by the company and the spirits industry generally, that Isle of Harris Distillers will continue to grow both domestically and internationally.'
The multi-million-pound distillery project on the Isle of Harris was the vision of US-born musicologist Anderson Bakewell.
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Mr Erlanger, a former sales and marketing director of Scotch whisky distiller Glenmorangie, said today: 'Very few have the chance to establish a new Scotch whisky distillery, let alone one with such a special purpose. I am immensely proud of what this team has created and I am confident that the foundations we have built will see the distillery fulfil its founding mission.
'I'd like to thank Anderson Bakewell for entrusting me with this project and am grateful for the support and guidance from the board over the years. Whilst excited to spend more time with the family, I still intend to stay connected to this wonderful industry.'
The Isle of Harris Distillers board said: 'We would like to announce that Simon Erlanger is retiring as managing director of Isle of Harris Distillers at the end of September after 14 years with the company.
'Simon has been instrumental in the success of the Business since its inception. Under his leadership, the distillery has established two well-respected international spirits brands and has laid the foundations to achieve its purpose of providing multi-generational employment for the Isle of Harris. The board would like to thank Simon for all he has achieved and for his dedication to the company and the island. We wish him a long and happy retirement.'
Mr MacEachran said: 'As is the nature of business, change provides us with an opportunity for renewed growth. Following Simon's departure, I will continue in my role of executive chairman, overseeing the business as it moves positively forward. The existing team's determination to build on the foundations created is being complemented by the addition of industry experts, who will support us as we begin this new phase of Isle of Harris Distillers' journey.'
Expressing confidence in continued growth, Mr MacEachran said: 'Recent weeks have seen the Pink Ceilidh Bottle sell out in just 45 minutes, showing ongoing demand for the premium gin we produce here on the island.
"Alongside this, we have recently successfully launched global travel retail products (The Hearach croft strength malt whisky and Isle of Harris gin tidal strength), allowing consumers to sample a taste of Harris in new and different ways. New listings also continue to be achieved in Scotland, London and further afield, while new product innovation continues on island.'
In an interview with The Herald in 2017, Mr Erlanger said of Mr Bakewell: 'It was his vision to do something to stem that population decline [on Harris].
'He didn't come from the [Scotch whisky] industry. It took someone from outside the industry to come up with the idea. He just had this feeling that distilleries tend to last for generations, rather than [being] short-term ventures.'
Mr MacEachran said today: 'Moving forward, we remain focused on the provision of products and service of the highest quality to our ever-increasing consumers and customers, and to the company's long-term mission.'
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