Ex-Brora manager joins Isle of Arran Distillers

Scotch producer Isle of Arran Distillers has appointed former Brora manager Stewart Bowman to lead the Lochranza Distillery team, following the departure of David Livingstone.

Bowman took over the distillery manager role from Livingstone, who left in September 2021 to return to Islay.

Bowman previously held the role of site operations manager at the revived Brora distillery as well as working in production at the Cragganmore Distillery. He also worked for Brewdog for eight years as head distiller.

Isle of Arran said Bowman’s ‘impressive’ industry background will bring expertise and knowledge to the position.

“We’re all very excited to be welcoming Stewart to our wonderful company,” said James MacTaggart, director of operations and production for the Lagg and Lochranza distilleries.

“His experience, passion and understanding of the industry will no doubt be a huge asset as we look to the future with Lochranza Distillery.

“This is a very exciting time for Isle of Arran Distillers, and we are so happy to be welcoming visitors back to our distilleries after what has been a challenging period for the industry. With Stewart on board we are thrilled to get going with what promises to be a very exciting time for the company.”

Isle of Arran’s first distillery in Lochranza started production nearly 25 years ago. The company’s second distillery in Lagg, which produces peated single malt, was opened in 2019.

Earlier this year, Diageo restarted production at the refurbished Brora distillery in Scotland following a multi-million-pound investment.