Bladnoch has a new master

BLADNOCH Distillery has appointed Ian Macmillan as its master distiller and blender.

Mr Macmillan, former head of distilleries and master blender at East Kilbride-based Burn Stewart Distillers, will join the lowland distillery in early October 2015.

He will use his 40 years’ experienced in the industry to revive production Bladnoch, acquired by Australian businessman David Prior in July, after six years of non-production.

Mr Prior said: “I am delighted that such a well-known master distiller and blender as Ian Macmillan will join the Bladnoch team in the early autumn. His experience and expertise will ensure we create the finest Scotch Whiskies as we re-start distilling at Bladnoch and develop our brand strategy and marketing."

Mr Macmillan said: “I am very excited to be joining Bladnoch and eager to get started. I look forward to meeting the challenges of getting Bladnoch back into production."

Blackwood brings back Fitzpatrick

BLACKWOOD, the housing and care provider, has appointed Simon Fitzpatrick as its first strategic development director.

Mr Fitzpatrick, who has more than 15 years’ experience in asset management roles across Scotland, returns to the company after two years as property investment manager at social care provider CrossReach.

At Blackwood he will be responsible for delivering its Concept House model, as well as its digital care innovations and asset portfolio.

He will play a lead role as Blackwood develops a new wave of digital care to improve the lives of service users, and assist commissioning partners to drive efficiencies in the integration of social care.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: “I’m thrilled to step up and take on this exciting new role. After accumulating over 15 years of asset management experience, I feel I have a sound knowledge of how to develop Blackwood’s exciting objectives for the future.

“It’s definitely an inspiring time to be a part of the organisation as it gears up to revolutionise the housing and care sector with its impressive reputation of service quality and new technological innovations.”

Hall swaps rugby for finance

MCCREA Financial Services has hired former Glasgow Warriors player Dougie Hall.

Mr Hall, who retired from professional rugby after 14 years at the end of last season, has joined the Glasgow-based firm as a trainee financial adviser.

He studied accounting and business law at the University of Strathclyde during his playing days, and has been working at the firm part-time since 2008.

Managing director Douglas McCrea, a long-standing sponsor of Glasgow Warriors, said: “Dougie joined Warriors in the same year we became sponsors, 2007 and has spent time in our offices over the last few years gearing himself up for his new career. We know each other very well and it is clear his determination and commitment to Glasgow Warriors ties in extremely well with the ethos at McCrea's.