MSP for the Highlands & Islands Emma Roddick met with the Co-founder and Master Distiller of the Isle of Raasay Distillery, Alasdair Day, and the Scotch Whisky Association last week to hear about the impact the distillery is having on the island.

The distillery, opened in 2017, now employs around 40 people, including people who have moved to Raasay from as far as Korea for a career in the Whisky industry.

Speaking on the impact the distillery is having in Raasay, Emma said:

“It was fantastic to get a tour of the Isle of Raasay Distillery with co-founder and Master Distiller, Alasdair Day, and the Scotch Whisky Association to hear the vision behind the business and how the team is working to make the island more sustainable.  

“Given the population challenges we know our rural and island communities are facing, it was heartening to hear that the distillery now employs around 40 people and this includes people who chose to stay in Raasay, but also those who choose to come back after studying or working in other cities in Scotland.

“It was especially great to hear that the distillery has even attracted folk to the island from across Europe, Mexico, and as far as Korea for a career in the Whisky industry, and to hear how the distillery is supporting their staff with accommodation.

“There is still a lot more we need to do to make places such as Raasay an even better place to live, such as utilising the housing stock we already have, but the work Alasdair and his team have done is brilliant in helping grow the community further.”