Iain McClune to acquire Royal Mile Whiskies

The owner of Whisky Auctioneer, Iain McClune, has agreed to buy Scottish retailer Royal Mile Whiskies for an undisclosed sum.

McClune, a former employee of specialist Scotch whisky business Royal Mile Whiskies, has made the acquisition through his investment company Vintage Saga, which include Whisky Auctioneer, Rum Auctioneer, Wine Auctioneer and Bright Spirits.

The transaction also includes wine and spirits retailer Drinkmonger and tobacco store The Cigar Box, which sit alongside Royal Mile Whiskies under the Dormant Distillery Company (DDC). The businesses will continue to be owned and operated in Scotland as part of the agreement.

McClune, who worked at Royal Mile Whiskies for nearly a decade, is the second ex-employee to return as owner of the business.

Established in 1991, Royal Mile Whiskies was acquired by DDC founder Keir Sword in 1997. Royal Mile Whiskies is a wholesaler of specialist spirits in the Scottish on-trade.

“As a former employee who myself returned to buy Royal Mile Whiskies it is greatly satisfying to pass the baton on to one of our own, who shares my vision for the business and I trust to carry on our values,” said Sword.

“The fact the business retains its independent spirit but at the same time gains the backing and support of the equally enthusiastic and talented team at Vintage Saga, makes it a very exciting time for DDC.

“They inherit not only the wonderful staff, but a very supportive bunch of suppliers and loyal customers to all of whom I send my huge thanks for their contribution over the past quarter century.”

The deal will see DDC benefit from Vintage Saga’s ‘knowledge, expertise, relationships and reputation’.

Arthur Motley, who has worked with Sword for more than 20 years, will become managing director of DDC.

DDC will be operated separately from other companies in the Vintage Saga group.

McClune said: “Vintage Saga and DDC are both independent Scottish companies with the same knowledge-centric approach and people-first culture, with committed and passionate employees who contribute hugely to the success of the businesses.

“Exciting times are ahead and I am particularly pleased to be inheriting such a great team as they will be crucial to the ongoing success and future growth of the DDC brands.

“Under Keir’s tenure, Royal Mile Whiskies has become recognised as one of the great independent UK whisky merchants and this reputation is exactly what we look forward to building with all at DDC.”

Whisky Auctioneer was behind the sale of the world’s largest private whisky collection to be offered on the secondary market, which reached a total of £3.36 million (US$4.5m) earlier this year.