Glencairn gears up for 40th anniversary celebrations

Glencairn Crystal is set to showcase some of its most pioneering and successful decanters in celebration of its 40th anniversary.

Founded by Raymond Davidson in 1981, the company has become a world-renowned expert in the design and manufacture of high-end crystal and glassware, as well as being known as the creator of the ‘ultimate’ whisky tasting vessel, the Glencairn Glass.

Building the company’s decanter business was of great importance to Raymond Davidson, who felt they had a leading role to play in the spirits world. Glencairn has since gone on to create some of the industry’s most ground-breaking and prestigious decanters, including those that have held the world’s oldest whisky, oldest port and oldest rum. 

To mark the 40^th anniversary, Glencairn will be releasing behind-the-scenes stories from across the decades showcasing decanter projects that capture the company’s pioneering spirit. These stories will be hosted on the Glencairn Crystal website and its social media channels, and promoted on podcasts featuring interviews with key members of the whisky industry involved in the projects.

The birthday year will also see the official opening of the expanded Glencairn Crystal Studio in East Kilbride, Glasgow, which was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. More than £1 million has been invested in the refurbishment, which encompasses a new reception area and a new build on the site to cater for growing demand.

Raymond Davidson said: "When I started Glencairn Crystal in 1981 it was my ambition to create the most innovative, creative and impressive crystal decanters for the drinks industry. We started off as a small business with everyone in the family rolling up their sleeves to get involved.

"I couldn’t be prouder of everyone at Glencairn and what we have achieved together in the last 40 years. In terms of our decanters I’d like to thank our customers for trusting us with such rare and beautiful spirits. Though we have grown to a team of over 70 staff now, our family values and customer relationships are still at the core of everything we do and we continue to lead the world in creating ground-breaking design and developing unique techniques that delight our customers."

Glencairn Crystal is now run by Raymond’s sons, Paul and Scott Davidson. 

Scott, the company’s new product development director, said: "Last year was an important year for us with the 20th anniversary of our iconic Glencairn Glass for whisky, however this is also a momentous year for us as we pay homage to 40 years of Glencairn Crystal.

"We could not have built the business without our talented and passionate team, including the best craftspeople in the industry, some of whom have over 30 years’ experience in working with crystal. We look forward to continuing to lead the market in crystal, glass and container innovation and craftsmanship, whilst working with friends and colleagues across the industry."

For further information go to www.glencairn.co.uk/40th-anniversary.

20 March 2021 - Bethany Whymark