The Distillers’ Charity has released its 2024 Impact Report, revealing the positive and far-reaching impact of its Youth Action Fund across Scotland. The Fund, launched in early 2022 following the success of the first Distillers One of One® Auction, is focused on supporting young people—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—to achieve their potential and contribute to their communities.
Funded entirely by proceeds from the biennial Distillers One of One auctions, which feature ultra-rare Scotch whiskies, and made possible through the collective efforts of the Scotch Whisky industry, the Youth Action Fund has so far raised £4.3 million.
Since its inception, more than 2,800 young people have benefited from the programme. In the past year alone, the Fund has reached 1,157 young people across 23 local authority areas in Scotland. Many of these individuals were facing significant barriers to employment, including poor mental health, trauma, and the effects of severe deprivation.
The 2024 report highlights that 890 young people achieved positive employability outcomes this year. Of those supported in 2024, 33% moved into employment, 28% progressed into further or higher education, 19% began vocational training or apprenticeships, and 15% re-engaged with school.
In addition, 4,403 key progression milestones were achieved over the past year, including qualifications, improved literacy and numeracy skills, and participation in Alcohol Awareness Training—taken up by 721 young people.
Grant Gordon OBE, Chair of The Distillers’ Charity, said, “This is the third year that we’re presenting the Impact Report and we’re very proud to see the exceptional results that the Youth Action Fund has achieved to date, thanks to our charity partners’ hard work, and thanks to the ongoing support of the Scotch Whisky industry. The Distillers One of One Auction series continues to raise a significant amount to help young people in Scotland, and we’re looking forward to this year’s auction to continue the Fund’s vital work.”
Mark Kent, CEO at SWA, said, “The generous contributions of a wide range of Scotch Whisky companies generates the funding – through the Distillers One of One auction – that facilitates the important work of The Youth Action Fund. The Fund is making a real, tangible impact reaching and supporting young people facing significant disadvantages and barriers in some of the most deprived areas of Scotland, helping to improve their lives during some challenging times.”
Deputy First Minister’s Kate Forbes added, “The Youth Action Fund has provided young people with access to career opportunities including in Scotland’s vibrant whisky sector. Whisky exports are worth £5 billion and the sector supports 41,000 jobs. To boost the sector’s growth, we are working with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scottish Development International to unleash Scotland’s export potential. Our budget for 2025-26 includes an additional £11 million for Local Employability Partnerships to ensure that services are in place to support people furthest away from employment towards and into work, helping to address inequality and create a fairer labour market.”