Veteran's Resurrection of Slumbering Distillery: Solution for the United Kingdom's Ailing Whisky Industry
Isle of Arran's Sleeping Giant Arousals: The Whisky Production Revival by Harold Currie
The enchanting Isle of Arran nestled between Ayr and Kintyre isn't just a picturesque locale; it's a mini-Scotland boasting all of its grand landscape - mountains, valleys, and coastline. However, its nickname, 'Scotland in miniature', even fails to do justice to this tiny yet mighty island as it hides another sleeping giant - Arran's whisky production. This slumbering Scotch spirit resurrected in 1994 by Harold Currie after a 150-year hiatus.
Currie, a battle-hardened veteran of World War II and the post-Normandy-landing Battle of Villers-Bocage, had a profound impact on the island's single malt Scotch whisky renaissance. The water for his Arran whisky filters down from Loch na Davie, through six waterfalls. The brand often highlights the purity of this water, but its rocky journey also symbolizes the challenges duplicated in reviving whisky production on Arran.
Entrepreneurial by nature, when Currie was a soldier, he quickly seized the opportunity to establish a leatherwork partnership with a Berliner, manufacturing handbags for hometroops. Post-war, he joined Rigby and Evans, a Liverpudlian wine and spirit merchants, and subsequently enjoyed a highly successful career, eventually becoming MD at Chivas Brothers and UK operations director at Pernod.
Currie's determination was unwavering even after retirement in the 1980s. A chance conversation with architect friend David Hutchison, who owned a home on Arran, ignited the idea of setting up a distillery there. Currie, no stranger to whisky, having overseen the expansion of the House of Campbell range, found the Isle of Arran to be steeped in a rich history of whisky production, both legal and bootleg, but with production halted in 1837 following the closure of the Lagg Distillery.
Land near Lochranza village was bought, complete with its nearby stream, Eosan Biorach. Construction — to David Hutchinson's design — was set to begin, only to be delayed by nesting golden eagles near the site. Finally, on 24 June 1995, the first mashing took place. The Isle of Arran was once more producing whisky — and in the old way. Most whisky is chill-filtered, but Arran eschews this process, preserving substances like esters and proteins to add character to their whisky, which is malty, creamy, and boasts hints of apple.
Joining a competitive whisky market (akin to managing a football club) calls for fortitude and patience. Capital is laid out for production and a lengthy waiting period ensues while stocks and brands mature. But Currie, like a seasoned football coach, united a passionate team, weathered challenges, and watched the distillery — and his whisky — grow. By 2007, Arran was named Distillery of the Year, and finally turned a profit in 2010. Although Currie's family's stake in the distillery gradually diminished, their key role — in building a business empire and restoring the missing piece of the whisky puzzle to the miniature Scotland that is Arran — remains obelisk.
Entrepreneurial Adversity: Harold Currie's Resilient Journey in Reviving Whisky Production on the Isle of Arran
Harold Currie’s spirit of enterprise played a crucial role in reinstating whisky production on the Isle of Arran after over a century and a half. This account chronicles his efforts, the challenges faced, and how his resilience led to the successful return of legal whisky production to the island.
Timeline
- Early 1990s: Conceptualization
- Harold Currie evaluated potential distillery locations on the Isle of Arran.
- He pieced together a team of investors and industry experts.
- 1994: Establishment
- The Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd. was founded.
- Construction on the distillery commenced in Lochranza.
- 1995: Distillery Opens
- The distillery officially opened in June 1995 (note: although the distillery was founded in 1994, production started in 1995).
- The first whiskey ran from the stills, signaling the return of legal whisky production to Arran.
- 1996–1998: Early Production
- The distillery produced its maiden malt whisky, requiring several years to mature before sale.
- The company introduced young Arran spirits as liqueurs and malt-based products to generate early revenue.
- 2000s: Growth and Recognition
- Arran single malt Scotch whisky matured to the required three years, ready for bottling.
- The distillery gained critical acclaim for its unique island character.
- Future Expansion
- The distillery progressed its range, with the addition of a second site, the Lagg Distillery (opened in 2019). Focused on peated whiskies, it followed in Currie's footsteps.
Challenges
- Financial Obstacles
- Obtaining funding to establish a distillery proved difficult on a remote island.
- Investors needed convincing of the long-term viability.
- Regulatory Barriers
- Navigating Scotch Whisky regulations and obtaining permits required expertise.
- Infrastructure Development
- The undeveloped site at Lochranza demanded significant investment in infrastructure.
- Operational Hiccups
- inclement weather and logistical challenges sometimes delayed construction and operations.
- Revenue Sources During Maturation
- As whisky must mature before sale, the company needed alternative revenue streams (e.g., tours, visitor centers, and malt-based products).
Currie exhibited extraordinary determination throughout the process, ushering in the renaissance of the Isle of Arran's whisky legacy, creating a major economic and tourist attraction for the island.
- Arran's Whisky Production Revival journey was not just about producing Scotch; it was also a lifestyle change for the local residents, offering new opportunities for eco-tourism, retail, and hospitality, transforming the island's economy.
- Aside from the resilient journey in reviving whisky production, the distillery also made a significant impact on the lives of pets on the island. Pet-friendly cottage accommodations became available for tourists visiting the distillery, providing a much-needed service for owners and companions alike.
- On holidays in the Isle of Arran, visitors can not only enjoy delicious food and drink but also immerse themselves in the local fashion-and-beauty scene, as local artisans showcase their handmade creations, inspired by the island's natural beauty.
- Evidently, Currie's impact transcended whisky production as his initiatives inspired home-and-garden revitalization efforts, with many visitors choosing to purchase properties and invest in local real estate, contributing to the island's growth and development.
- The newly formed relationships between locals, investors, and tourists helped to foster a sense of community, fostering closer bonds among the inhabitants and supporting a thriving local culture.
- As commuters traveled to the island, car sales in the region increased significantly, reflecting the growing interest in the island and the increasing demand for reliable transportation.
- Shoppers visiting the island's supermarkets, boutiques, and specialty stores could find a variety of products, such as Arran single malt Scotch whisky, local Arran Aromatics essential oils, and Arran's famous dairy products, all contributing to the vibrant island's eclectic mix of eco, lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and travel offerings.
