Our Story
The path less well travelled
Nestled beneath the sprawling mass of Ben Wyvis mountain in the Scottish Highlands, GlenWyvis Distillery was established in 2015. The idea was to unite the community of Dingwall through the creation of a distillery owned by local people.
Dingwall’s last whisky distillery closed in 1926. After a 90 year absence, GlenWyvis revived the town’s lost distilling tradition, and made its own history in 2016 by running a record-breaking open share offer. More than 3,000 like-minded people invested in GlenWyvis to create the first ever 100% community-owned distillery. It was an incredible response to an extraordinary idea.
We are inspired by our beautiful landscape, and motivated to preserve it. GlenWyvis is a pioneer of sustainable distilling; wind, hydro, solar and biomass energy power our operations.
Our Team
Staff
Matthew Farmer
Distillery Manager
Growing up in the Scottish Highlands, Matthew has been living in America where he fell into the whisk(e)y industry, probably because they loved his accent. A decade later, he’s worked every job on a distillery floor, and hopes to bring a magpie mix of passion and experience to the small family here at GlenWyvis.
Craig MacRitchie
Production Manager
Craig has been with us from the start. Originally working as our Head of Sales, Craig has now transitioned into production where he keeps a close eye on all of our operations.
Lindi Konoso
UK Sales Representative
Born and raised in Inverness, Lindi moved to Glasgow in 2011 where she received a degree in Marketing and began a career in the exhibitions and events industry before returning to the highlands in 2020 to set up home in Dingwall. Lindi is excited to bring fresh ideas from her experience in sales, marketing, and events to GlenWyvis.
Rhianna Bell
UK Sales and Marketing Representative
Rhianna is the newest member of the GlenWyvis family. With experience in Sales and Recruitment, a Degree in Business and Marketing, and a true passion for Communications, Rhianna is excited to share our story to whisky enthusiasts near and far.
Kay Graham
Bookkeeper
Keeper of the Coin, Kay manages the complex tasks of whisky accounting and being annoyed at how expensive everything is.
Kev Cameron-Ross
Distillery Operator
Aberdeen-born, Kev has spent an enriching 18 years immersed in the captivating landscapes that define this remarkable region. His journey as a Distillery Operator at GlenWyvis stands as a testament to his unwavering passion for crafting exceptional spirits. Rooted in these experiences, Kev is uniquely positioned to bring the true essence of the Highlands to each and every bottle.
Directors
David McIntyre
Chairman
David joined the Board in 2021. He is a practicing mechanical engineer and former leader of an international team of multi-disciplined engineering experts. He sees GlenWyvis Distillery producing an acclaimed product, and being a role model for other businesses that understand the importance of looking after their people, communities and planet within the setting of a profitable and sustainable business.
Dickon Sandbach
Treasurer
Dickon joined the Board in 2019. He recently retired as Senior Partner of Moore East Midlands, Chartered Accountants then moving locally to Kiltarlity.
David Allan
Secretary
David joined the board in 2021. Originally from Berwick-upon-Tweed in the Scottish borders, David now lives and works in London. Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2008, he has gained extensive experience supporting businesses both large and small, starting in general commercial practise before moving in-house, initially in investment funds and now in the telecoms sector.
Andy Fisher
Director and Head of the Standards Committee
Andy joined the Board in 2019. He is the Managing Director and co-founder of Integra Well Solutions Ltd, and has a wide range of commercial experience covering all aspects of business.
David Norcom
Director
David joined the Board in 2020. He is a US financier with extensive experience of the capital markets. He was a substantial contributor to the first share offer and has followed GlenWyvis from the get-go. He will be advising the board on several aspects of future capital raising
Mike Evans
Director
Mike joined the board in 2021. In 2003 Mike and his family moved to The Highlands to ensure their daughter received a good Highland education and to run their own family owned Accountancy business. Mike now provides his services as a portfolio Chief Financial Officer throughout The Highlands & Islands and looks forward to utilising his skills to benefit GlenWyvis.
Jock Ramsay
Director and Head of the GoodWill Fund
Jock joined the Board in 2022. A retired GP currently residing in Inverness, Jock brings a wealth of experience to GlenWyvis to help promote community engagement. A key member of the GoodWill Fund, Jock will oversee and manage the application process, objectively and fairly.
Meeghan Murdoch
Director
Meeghan has worked in many areas of the drinks industry. From buyer to importer & exporter, and from wine maker, brewer of sake and beer to distiller, Meeghan has seen it all. She has run operations for two distilleries, one in London and one in Scotland and helped set up two bonded warehouses. Born in Montreal, Canada, Meeghan has a vast network of connections and believes her international experiences and language skills can help further the GlenWyvis brand.
Karl Falconer
Director
Along with his wife, Karl runs a couple of local businesses in the Highlands. The first and main business is Highland Hog Roasts, an outdoor catering company founded 18 years ago. Karl also runs a small farm in Cannich where he rears livestock and tends to his herd of alpacas. Being a Highland business owner, Karl brings a diverse skill set to the table that will assist the distillery in growing and continuing to be in the hearts of the shareholders and the local community.
Committee Members and Volunteers
Marnie Vincent
Minutes Secretary
Marnie is the Minutes Secretary. When not otherwise engaged in doting on her new grandchildren - - who are the source of great joy - - she keeps members of the Management Committee in check and makes sure all papers are in order.
Jan Thomson
Standards Committee
In June 2022 Jan was elected onto the Standards Committee of GlenWyvis. Before retiring Jan owned and operated a small hotel in Sutherland for 15 years, prior to that she progressed through sales and management finally running a UK company within Johnson & Johnson Healthcare. As a member, Jan is passionate about the ethics of Goodwill!
Frances Nixseaman
GoodWill Fund Committee
Frances lives near Dingwall and was elected onto the GoodWill Fund Committee in 2022. She has been a Children’s Panel member, foster carer, youth worker and, after graduating, worked in several charities going into strategic development for children’s services in Highland and overseas.
Ann Mills-Duggan
GoodWill Fund Committee
Semi-retired, Ann has been working for a grant-giving organisation for the past 11 years and has wide experience of assessing and reviewing funding proposals. She has been a welcome addition to the GoodWill Fund committee.
