New distillery Benbecula, on the island of the same name in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, has appointed Mary Margaret Connarty (pictured) as distillery manager. Connarty grew up on Benbecula before leaving at 18 to gain a degree and PhD in chemistry in Glasgow.

 

For the past 18 years, Connarty has worked for North British Distillery in Edinburgh, originally joining as a chemist before becoming laboratory manager.

 

Connarty said: “Because I did chemistry, I never thought I’d get back to Benbecula, as there just weren’t those kind of jobs there.

 

“I’ve always wanted to return and my husband, who’s from the mainland, absolutely loves the island too. Our boys are aged one and four and we’re delighted that they will be able to enjoy a Benbecula childhood and a Gaelic education, like I did.

 

“It’s fantastic that the distillery is creating new opportunities on the island and I jumped at the chance when I was offered job as manager. There’s already a great team there and I’m really looking forward to working with them and learning from them as we continue to build this exciting new business.” 

 

Founded by Angus MacMillan, Benbecula Distillery began production in June, and will launch the first casks of its single malt whisky early in August. So far, it has created 10 new jobs and expects to grow by a further 15 roles. 

 

Angus said: “Over the years so many young people have left wonderful island places like Benbecula to pursue their education, but have been unable to return because of the lack of job opportunities.

 

“With spirit production now in full swing and our inaugural cask release just days away, [Connarty] is joining us at an exciting and busy time and we are very much looking forward to welcoming her to our growing team.”

 

The multi-million-pound distillery was developed on the site of a disused salmon farming plant, and is made distinctive by the glass lighthouse-style extension which houses a copper pot still. 

 

The distillery’s whisky is made using a 19th-century recipe revived by master distiller Brendan McCarron. Benbecula expects to produce around 350,000 litres of whisky annually.