Isle of Barra Distillers names chairman
Outer Hebridean spirits producer Isle of Barra Distillers has appointed Stephen Webster as its new chairman.
Webster joins the company as it readies for the opening of its single malt distillery in 2027. At £12 million (US$16m), the distillery will be the largest single private investment ever made on the Scottish island.
Webster said: “It is an exciting time for Isle of Barra Distillers. I’m looking forward to supporting this incredible business on the next stage of its journey.
“My wife and her family are from the Isle of Barra, so I’m no stranger to the island and have been closely following co-founders, Michael and Katie, as they not only created a multi-award-winning spirits range but also became a vital part of the island’s economy.
“The creation of the distillery will represent the single biggest capital investment in the island, and the impact on the community will be profound for generations to come. Barra is bucking the trend of population decline in the Hebrides with 42 births on the island in the past two years.
“That generation will have more opportunity to stay, live and work on the island with projects like this. I’m incredibly grateful and humbled to be able to play a part in it.”
Husband and wife Katie and Michael Morrison founded Isle of Barra Distillers in 2017. Michael is the company’s CEO, while Katie serves as director and distillery manager. Both co-founders are majority stakeholders.
The company currently produces Barra Gin, Hebridean Vodka and Island Dark Rum from Castlebay on Barra.
Last year, it saw revenue increase by 13.5% with a 24% bump in production volumes.
The company has offered investment opportunities in casks and equity ahead of next year’s whisky distillery opening.
Webster will join the Morrisons on the distillery’s board. He brings 35 years of experience working in financial services to the position, with previous roles including operations director and managing director at Bank of Scotland Investment Management.
“We’ve been fortunate to see continued growth for Isle of Barra Distillers despite the difficulties seen within the spirits sector,” added Michael Morrison.
“In addition to the increased production levels, we also made a number of new hires, including a financial controller and head of UK sales as we continue to focus on growth and financial safeguarding for the business. Stephen’s experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business.”
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