Gary Drummond, a second-generation cooper with more than 18 years of experience, has founded Trossachs Cooperage — a new coopering facility based in Callander, Stirlingshire. The cooperage will operate from newly secured premises at Cambusmore Estate, Ballachallan, which are currently undergoing a full fit-out ahead of the start of operation this month.
Backed by a £1.3 million investment, the new facility will help inspire the next generation of talent as it works towards becoming a certified training hub and member of the National Cooperage Federation.
The facility is expected to create 12 skilled roles in its first year, including four seasoned coopers who bring over 120 years of combined expertise to the business. In addition, four apprentice positions will be recruited as part of a long-term training strategy.
The venture is backed by a Scottish investment consortium led by entrepreneurs Alan Wright and Tim Allan. Wright brings senior leadership experience from several high-profile whisky brands, while Allan offers wide-ranging commercial insight, including his previous roles as President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Chair of V&A Dundee.
“The Scotch whisky industry is a pillar of Scotland’s food and drink economy, but coopering — a centuries-old craft — has faced serious challenges. Skills shortages and limited repair capacity have led to hundreds of thousands of casks being scrapped, which if repaired and rejuvenated could have gone back into circulation. Subsequently, distillers are forced to solely rely on costly first fill casks.
“Trossachs Cooperage aims to reverse that trend by repairing, rejuvenating, and hardening oak casks to make them fit for fill — reducing waste, cutting costs, and lowering environmental impact. Our ethos is built on skills, sustainability, and Scottish craftsmanship, and we are incredibly proud to drive this forward from Callander.
“The support from our investment group, along with the strategic guidance from partners like Johnston Carmichael, has been instrumental in bringing our vision to life — especially at a time when investment and renewed confidence in the Scotch whisky sector are so vitally needed.”