Jura manager retires after 39-year career

Willie Cochrane, manager of single malt Scotch whisky distillery Jura, has announced his retirement after a 39-year career.

Graham Logan (left) has been appointed distillery manager of Jura following the retirement of Willie Cochrane (right)

Following Cochrane’s retirement, Graham Logan, former Jura mash/stillman who has worked alongside Cochrane for more than 20 years, will take over as distillery manager.

Cochrane joined the Whyte & Mackay-owned Jura distillery in 1977, and 11 years ago was promoted to the position of distillery manager after working as mash/stillman.

“Jura is just as important to me now, as it has been for the last 39 years,” he said. “I’ll find it hard to walk away completely, so I’ll still be involved in promoting the whisky from time to time.

“Definitely not a quiet retirement but one I’m very excited about, especially as I’ll have more time for the grandchildren, and to take holidays abroad with my wife.

“Graham and I have worked together for years and I know he’s the right man for the job. I’ll sleep well at night knowing the distillery is in capable hands, with someone who loves Jura just as much as I do.”

Logan started working at Jura as mash/stillman 25 years ago having previously worked as a marine engineering mechanic in the Royal Navy.

“Willie Cochrane will be a hard act to follow – he is something of a legend and rightly so,” he said. “Willie played a huge part in making the distillery the success it is today and has been an asset to the quality of the whisky that we produce.

“I hope to be able to put my own stamp on the distillery, while maintaining the same level of craftsmanship and, overseeing some fantastic new bottlings.”