William Grant launches memorial scholarship

William Grant & Sons has launched a scholarship programme in memory of former employee Ian Murray, who died last year.

William Grant & Sons has launched a new scholarship programme in memory of its former employee Ian Murray (pictured)

Honouring the memory of the drinks group’s former prestige retail manager, the programme will offer one member of the UK’s off-trade spirits sector aged 18-30 the chance to further their knowledge of the spirits category, with a particular focus on malt whisky.

Inspired by Murray’s work in his education and consultancy business, Spirited Solutions, the Ian Murray Scholarship will support the winner through their WSET 1 and 2 qualifications, as well as help them hone their presentation skills and give them the opportunity to attend an educational visit of one of William Grant & Sons’ distilleries.

Kirsten Grant Meikle, fifth generation Grant family member and head of strategic on-trade development at First Drinks is leading the initiative.

She said: “Ian was a big personality within the business. His boundless enthusiasm for all things whisky and in particular the Grant family history has inspired us to create the ‘an Murray Scholarship.”

Of his work at First Drinks and Spirited Solutions, Meikle said that Murray had “inspired hundreds of people into the malt and blended whisky category” and that William Grant & Sons “hoped to channel his passion for the industry into a new generation of drinks enthusiasts”.

“The scholarship will combine spirits education with practical experience to ensure the successful candidate completes the programme feeling confident that William Grant & Sons and the legacy of Ian Murray helped them on their way to a successful career in the drinks industry,” she continued.

The scholarship will be awarded annually with 10 shortlisted applicants being selected by Murray’s colleagues and members of the Grant family, while Murray’s family will select the winning candidate.

Candidates are required to submit a 200-300 word statement explaining why they wish to apply, along with the following details: your name, address, email, mobile number, date of birth, current employer, manager’s name, and manager’s telephone number.

The deadline for applications is 15th March 2014 and the successful candidate will be announced on 31st March 2014.