Latest news with #SimonErlanger
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scotch whisky veteran behind Isle of Harris Distillery exits
Isle of Harris Distillers, which produces The Hearach single malt and Isle of Harris gin, said managing director Simon Erlanger had been 'instrumental in the success of the business since its inception' as it announced he would retire next month. 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. Read more 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.'
Scotsman
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Isle of Harris Distillery unveils ‘stunning' pink ceilidh bottle inspired by island flora - price and how to buy
The Isle of Harris Distillery has unveiled a limited release of handcrafted ceramic Cèilidh Bottles, presenting the distillery's celebrated gin in a stunning vessel glazed in a vibrant 'Sea Thrift Pink' hue. Launching at 10am on 16 July to coincide with the first day of HebCelt Festival, just 1,500 handcrafted bottles will be available online in the UK, with a limited number also available within the Distillery's Tarbert shop and the HebCelt festival shop on 16 and 17 July. The newest pink shade represents the third edition within the annual Cèilidh Bottle series, building on a palette that captures the essence of the island's coastal environment and its rich natural landscape. The soft pink glaze takes its cue from the delicate sea thrift which pop up on the shoreline rocks of Harris each summer with abundant 'pom-pom' shaped petals and a sweet nectar which is much-loved by the local bumble bees. Each ceramic bottle has been hand-thrown by potter Rupert Blamire, in a process that spans months and requires meticulous care, allowing for small variances between each bottle that make each a one-of-a-kind piece of art. The design evokes the signature maritime swirls of the original glass bottle in a medium that can be displayed, refilled or reused for years to come. The recommended serve for this release is a Grapefruit Gimlet – a fresh, citrus-forward cocktail that complements the Isle of Harris Gin's signature maritime notes and serves as a natural match for the bottle's Sea Thrift Pink glaze. Simon Erlanger, managing director of Isle of Harris Distillery, said: 'We're proud to continue our Cèilidh Bottle tradition with a colour that can be found across our coastlines this time of year. 'Sea thrift is a tough little plant with a striking pink bloom, known for its ability to survive harsh conditions and burst back to life each summer – a beautiful representation of life on this island for those who proudly call Harris home.' The pink Cèilidh Bottle will be debuted at this year's HebCelt Festival held annually in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, attracting a global audience as the largest celebration of Celtic music and culture in the Outer Hebrides. Following a successful partnership in 2024, the Isle of Harris Distillery will return to the festival with the Isle of Harris Gin Cèilidh Tent, featuring a curated line-up of talented contemporary trad musicians from across Scotland, cèilidh dancing, and a selection of premium 'Cèilidh Cocktails', as well as the distillery's acclaimed Hearach single malt. At a half-standard 350ml in size, the Harris Cèilidh Bottle is ideal to present and pour, helping to better enjoy an evening among old friends and family. Online orders will arrive in a gorgeous box full of colour, embossing and Harris Cèilidh storytelling. The Sea Thrift Pink Cèilidh Bottle will be available from 10am on Wednesday 16 July at the Harris Distillery website within the UK and at the distillery shop in Tarbert for £53 RRP.
Scotsman
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Isle of Harris Distillery unveils ‘stunning' pink ceilidh bottle inspired by island flora - price and how to buy
The Isle of Harris Distillery has unveiled a limited release of handcrafted ceramic Cèilidh Bottles, presenting the distillery's celebrated gin in a stunning vessel glazed in a vibrant 'Sea Thrift Pink' hue. Launching at 10am on 16 July to coincide with the first day of HebCelt Festival, just 1,500 handcrafted bottles will be available online in the UK, with a limited number also available within the Distillery's Tarbert shop and the HebCelt festival shop on 16 and 17 July. The newest pink shade represents the third edition within the annual Cèilidh Bottle series, building on a palette that captures the essence of the island's coastal environment and its rich natural landscape. The soft pink glaze takes its cue from the delicate sea thrift which pop up on the shoreline rocks of Harris each summer with abundant 'pom-pom' shaped petals and a sweet nectar which is much-loved by the local bumble bees. Each ceramic bottle has been hand-thrown by potter Rupert Blamire, in a process that spans months and requires meticulous care, allowing for small variances between each bottle that make each a one-of-a-kind piece of art. The design evokes the signature maritime swirls of the original glass bottle in a medium that can be displayed, refilled or reused for years to come. The recommended serve for this release is a Grapefruit Gimlet – a fresh, citrus-forward cocktail that complements the Isle of Harris Gin's signature maritime notes and serves as a natural match for the bottle's Sea Thrift Pink glaze. Simon Erlanger, managing director of Isle of Harris Distillery, said: 'We're proud to continue our Cèilidh Bottle tradition with a colour that can be found across our coastlines this time of year. 'Sea thrift is a tough little plant with a striking pink bloom, known for its ability to survive harsh conditions and burst back to life each summer – a beautiful representation of life on this island for those who proudly call Harris home.' The pink Cèilidh Bottle will be debuted at this year's HebCelt Festival held annually in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, attracting a global audience as the largest celebration of Celtic music and culture in the Outer Hebrides. Following a successful partnership in 2024, the Isle of Harris Distillery will return to the festival with the Isle of Harris Gin Cèilidh Tent, featuring a curated line-up of talented contemporary trad musicians from across Scotland, cèilidh dancing, and a selection of premium 'Cèilidh Cocktails', as well as the distillery's acclaimed Hearach single malt. At a half-standard 350ml in size, the Harris Cèilidh Bottle is ideal to present and pour, helping to better enjoy an evening among old friends and family. Online orders will arrive in a gorgeous box full of colour, embossing and Harris Cèilidh storytelling. The Sea Thrift Pink Cèilidh Bottle will be available from 10am on Wednesday 16 July at the Harris Distillery website within the UK and at the distillery shop in Tarbert for £53 RRP.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Isle of Harris Distillery offered Scottish government support
The Scottish government says it will 'do everything it can' to help Isle of Harris Distillery and its workers after the company announced redundancies. The maker of Isle of Harris Gin and single malt whiskies employs 50 director Simon Erlanger said the spirits industry was facing "challenging headwinds" and having to make difficult Minister Richard Lochhead said the Scottish government was paying close attention to the situation and working with the Western Isles-based company. The Moray SNP MSP told BBC Scotland News "volatility in the global market" had impacted on commercial decision-making in the whisky industry. But he said the Scottish government was confident the market would "pick up" in the development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has asked Isle of Harris Distillery for clarity on its situation, and its implications for the workforce. Ministers said redundancy initiative - Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) - was also ready to offer free advice and support to people affected. Isle of Harris Distillery said it welcomed any further government said it was supporting staff who had applied for voluntary redundancy to secure future employment. 'Deeply regrettable' In April, Isle of Harris Distillery said it would reduce its production and workforce as part of a restructuring distillery opened in 2015 with just 10 employees. Scotland's whisky industry previously warned tariffs imposed by the US - its most important overseas market - would be a "huge blow".Last week, the UK and US governments reached a deal on some areas of international trade, but President Donald Trump's blanket 10% tax on imports still applies to most goods entering the managing director Simon Erlanger said restructuring was needed to safeguard the future of the said voluntary redundancy was being offered to staff following cost-cutting measures, with compulsory redundancy to follow if reduction targets were not met. Mr Erlanger said the move was "deeply regrettable", adding that the distillery represented more than £20m investment in the island's week, trade body The Scotch Whisky Association described a UK-India deal, which would half tariffs on gin and whisky, as a landmark moment for the industry. In 2022, the Harris distillery secured £10m in funding from HSBC to pay for a new export drive to distribute its gin to more than 20 markets around the includes the US, Canada, France and Germany.
The Herald Scotland
04-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Distillery takes 'desperately sad decision' to cut jobs
The Isle of Harris Distillery said it is "deeply regrettable". A consultation is under way. (Image: Isle of Harris Distillery) Simon Erlanger, managing director of the distillery, pointed headwinds faced by the distillery and others in the industry. The distillery, which produces The Hearach single malt Scotch whisky and Isle of Harris gin, currently employs 45 people. Mr Erlanger told The Herald: "In a move to safeguard the future of our business, today we are introducing a restructuring programme which will see reduced production and workforce at the distillery." Read Ian McConnell's exclusive story here Shopping park next to new 2,700-home development for sale The retail park is now on the market. (Image: Galbraith) A Scottish retail park has been put on the market for sale. The park is in a "highly prominent position" and next to a major redevelopment site. Galbraith said Seafield Retail Park in Edinburgh comprises a terrace of three retail warehouse units, a stand-alone retail warehouse and a stand-alone drive-thru restaurant which has been sold on a long lease to McDonald's. The agent said the stand-alone retail warehouse has recently been subdivided into two drive-to food units and 12 EV charging stations have been created in the car park. The terrace provides accommodation for Halfords, Connection Flooring and McGuirks Golf, which is currently fitting out. Read Brian Donnelly's story here Scotch whisky is a family affair for Isle of Raasay chief Whisky is a family affair for Isle of Raasay chief. (Image: Peter Sandground) Scotch whisky is very much a family affair for Alasdair Day. The former food industry chief executive is the co-founder of Isle of Raasay Distillery, which released its inaugural single malt in late 2020. But his family connections to the industry stretch back all the way to 1820, when his great grandfather, Richard Day, joined a company called J&A Davidson in Coldstream. Alasdair took his own first steps in the industry in 2009, when he recreated the recipe of one of the whiskies his great grandfather produced for J&A Davidson between 1899 and 1916. Read Scott Wright's Q&A here AROUND THE GREENS For the love of golf's hickory history The workshop is celebrating its first anniversary. (Image: Hickory Golf Workshop) This article appears as part of Kristy Dorsey's Around the Greens series Previously employed in the financial services sector, Stuart Fraser set up his artisan clubmaking business as part-time gig during the Covid lockdowns and gave up his day job in November 2023 after finding a permanent home for the operation. The Hickory Golf Workshop is now celebrating its first anniversary, having restored more than 500 clubs to their former glory. It is opening the 2025 season with a new hickory-era golf ball making experience, along with the addition of traditional plus fours and bunnets for visitors to try on. Mr Fraser describes the workshop experience as a combination of "Scottish history, traditional craftsmanship, and storytelling with the chance to handle and play with authentic hickory-shafted clubs".
