Auchentoshan manager moves to Clydeside Distillery

Alistair McDonald has stepped down from his role as Auchentoshan’s distillery manager to join Glasgow’s new Clydeside distillery, where he will oversee all aspects of whisky production.

Alistair McDonald has been appointed distillery manager at Clydeside

Production at the £10.5 million distillery, based at the Pump House building on the banks of the River Clyde, is due to commence in September this year.

The project has been spearheaded as Tim Morrison, formerly of Morrison Bowmore Distillers and current proprietor of the AD Rattray Scotch Whisky Company, who received backing from a number of private investors. Planning permission for the site was given in 2014.

McDonald has more than 30 years’ experience in the Scotch whisky industry, and spent almost 10 years working at Lowland distillery Auchentoshan.

He also previously acted at distilleries engineer for Beam Suntory’s Auchentoshan, Bowmore and Glengarioch distilleries.

“This is an incredibly exciting and historic project to be part of,” he said. “I have been in the whisky industry for over 30 years and to be joining The Clydeside Distillery from the beginning, creating our new make spirit, is very special and a dream come true.

“Over the next few months we will be growing and training our team at the distillery ready to open our doors in September.”

Tim Morrison, chairman of parent company Morrison Glasgow Distillers, added: “We want to create a Lowland single malt of outstanding quality and character, with Alistair’s knowledge, experience and passion we know he can help us achieve this.”