Glencadam appoints leadership for new visitor centre
Angus Dundee Distillers has hired Michael van der Veen and Lauren Oliver to lead Glencadam Distillery’s new visitor centre.
Van der Veen joins the Highlands distillery as brand home manager while Oliver steps in as deputy brand home manager.
The appointments coincide with the opening of a new ‘state-of-the-art’ visitor centre at Angus-based Glencadam in late autumn 2025 – the same year the distillery celebrates its 200th anniversary.
Van der Veen previously worked at Fife-based whisky distillery Kingsbarn and its adjacent Darnley’s Gin site.
The Dutch native brings more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality sector to the new role. During his career, he has led food and beverage and customer experience roles at Scotland-based private members’ clubs Skibo Castle and The Eden Club, as well as the five-star Links House at Royal Dornoch.
Van der Veen said: “I love working in whisky and Glencadam Distillery’s values resonate deeply, with a true appreciation for the rich history, heritage and craftsmanship behind the brand.
“As part of an independently owned business, this role gives me the opportunity to help shape a truly immersive, memorable experience here in the Highlands as we let visitors into the heart of what makes Glencadam truly special with 200 years of stories, substance and soul to uncover.”
With a decade of experience in the whisky industry, Oliver joins Glencadam from her role as visitor experience manager at Scottish distillery Arbikie, which is also based in Angus.
She holds a general certificate in distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.
“Having spent over a decade immersed in the world of Scotch, I’ve developed not just a deep technical knowledge, but an ever-growing passion for sharing the story of the ‘water of life’,” Oliver added.
“Being part of the team at Glencadam at such a monumental time as the distillery celebrates 200 years of whisky-making heritage is a fantastic opportunity – one I’m proud to be part of.
“It’s an exciting chapter for the whisky community but also the entire Angus community as we prepare to open up the world of Glencadam.”
Glencadam’s new visitor centre will feature a dedicated exhibition space showcasing the history of the East Highlands distillery and its surroundings.
The visitor centre will also house a retail space and tasting rooms, as well as a whisky lounge, café and function suite.
Dating back to 1825, Glencadam is one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries.
Glencadam produces single malt Scotch using an almost 200-year-old process. The distillery was mothballed in 2000, before being brought back by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003.
Angus Dundee Distillers saw its turnover plummet by nearly a quarter in the year to 30 June 2024.
The company is also building a malt whisky distillery in Chun’an, China, along with a visitor experience.
