The Macallan recently launched its Artisan Apprenticeship Fund, and the whisky maker has explained new details of four recipient businesses to benefit from it.
A statement from The Macallan noted that the four UK firms will each receive a portion of £260,000 funding awarded by The Macallan to enable the recruitment and training of new apprentices.
Scottish businesses Alexander Manufacturing, Glasstorm and Powderhall Bronze, alongside London-based Shepherds Bookbinders, will each share the funds to support and perpetuate key generational skills and crafts.
The Artisan Apprenticeship Fund is delivered through The Macallan Artisan Collective, a creative forum for master makers to network, exchange ideas, innovate and collaborate through live gatherings and digital events.
The collective was established in 2021 to champion artisans, their philosophies, knowledge and skills as well as the critical role they play in local and global economies.
That same year, The Macallan created the Artisan Apprenticeship Fund in recognition of the need to preserve and safeguard legacy crafts, trades, skills, and values to support employment for generations to come.
Proceeds for the fund have been generated primarily through the auction of The Reach 81 Years Old single malt, the oldest whisky ever released in the history of The Macallan.
That one-of-a-kind special edition, made from a single, sherry seasoned oak cask, was sold at Sotheby’s London last October.
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Elizabeth McMillan, head of insight and sustainability at The Macallan, said, “We thrive as a local brand with a global presence because of the remarkable communities and networks with whom we enjoy strong interdependent relationships built on shared value creation.”
She noted that dedication to creativity, craftsmanship, innovation and collaboration are a key part of The Macallan’s brand DNA, and through the Artisan Collective and Artisan Apprenticeship Fund, “we aim to establish a legacy of positive action by fostering meaningful progress for our key communities through partnerships, collaborations, and fundraising.”
For example, Alexander Manufacturing is a luxury garment manufacturer, based in North Lanarkshire which specializes in the production of handmade coats. With funds in place, Alexander Manufacturing will create four new, full-time apprentice positions.
Tain-based contemporary glass studio Glasstorm specializes in hand-crafted works in glass and will use the funding to create one apprentice role.
Based in Musselburgh, East Lothian, fine art foundry Powderhall Bronze will bring on two apprentices, training one existing employee and one new team member, while Shepherds Bookbinders, based in London, will use proceeds from The Macallan Artisan Apprenticeship Fund to offer training to an existing employee.
For more information about The Macallan Artisan Collective and The Macallan Artisan Apprenticeship Fund, check out www.themacallan.com.
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