Two directors for distilleries owner Muckle Brig – Daily Business

The company behind the Port of Leith and Lind & Lime distilleries has appointed a non-executive chair and non-executive director.

Fraser Thornton, formerly chairman and managing director of Distell International, will take the chair at Muckle Brig.

He has also served as CEO at Scottish Golf, non executive director at Campari UK, and chairman of Rangers Football Club.

Johna Penman has held a number of senior positions in marketing across the Scotch Whisky industry, including head of brands at Edrington-Beam Suntory UK, UK marketing director at Ian MacLeod Distillers, and most recently as global head of marketing at Bladnoch Distillery.

The appointments come as the company has bolstered distribution of its premium organic gin, Lind & Lime, which will now be managed by Amber Beverages UK.

Paddy Fletcher, Co-CEO of Muckle Brig, said: “We’ve been fortunate to be given the space by our investor base to find the right appointments for board, and with Fraser and Johna we’ve found exactly the range of expertise we require to seize the opportunities in front of us.”

The company, founded by Mr Fletcher and his long-time friend Ian Stirling in 2014, opened the Port of Leith whisky distillery in 2023. Lind & Lime Gin Distillery opened in 2018 and it has a foothold in 25 international markets and 24 airports. The company also blends, bottles and distributes a range of single grain, single cask whiskies and wines.

This month the company announced that Amber Beverages UK will take over distribution of its gin in the UK, which currently includes listings at Sainsbury’s, Majestic Wines and John Lewis.

Mr Stirling described the move as a key step-change in the company’s evolution. “As a start-up player in this global industry, there comes a point where appointing a third-party to grow distribution in our home market is the right step to take,” he said.

“In ABUK, we have a partner with a fantastic track-record in scaling brands, and a team that brings fantastic depth of experience and passion for our gin”.