WHEN John Gilligan talks about being rejuvenated by the chance to head up Tennent Caledonian Breweries it doesn't sound like a piece of management double speak or a bland platitude.

Instead when the drinks industry veteran insists he has been "up for it" every day since being taken on you really believe him.

In the 18 months since being approached by Tennent Caledonian, owned by Dublin based C&C Group since 2009, Mr Gilligan has moved seamlessly from a joint managing director role into sole occupancy at the company's famous Wellpark Brewery since September last year.

A typical day involves an early commute from his home in Ayrshire to be at his desk by around 7.30am, dealing with the post and email.

By his own admission he prefers being out and about.

Even although he now has the big chair, he retains a few sales accounts to keep in contact with customers and as he puts it "keep my hand in".

Mr Gilligan, 60, said C&C Group's continued investment in Glasgow – £8 million has been spent on a new bottling hall, training academy and other infrastructure improvements – has helped in making sure the other staff at Wellpark are smiling.

He said: "We have been given great tools to do the job. That makes life easier and more enjoyable.

"It motivates people right through the building as you feel you have the support behind you and we have been successful in gaining market share and winning awards. It has been really great fun.

"There were some really great people when I started and we have managed to bring more in."

While Mr Gilligan is careful not to criticise Inbev, the former Tennent owner, he does believe more could have been made of the Scottish provenance.

He said: "One of our challenges and tasks was to regain the heritage as it was a wee bit dormant

"We have been here on this site for 450 years and been brewing Tennent's Lager for 100-and-odd years.

"We have employed thousands of people over the years and been investing millions of pounds in our base in Glasgow, Scotland.

"We wanted to get back to that. We want to grow our international business and re-establishing that Scottish heritage is part of that."

Although Mr Gilligan is delighted with how things are progressing, he is keen to go further citing the influence of Guinness in Dublin as an inspiration.

He said: "You look at Guinness as a focal point of that city.

"Our dream scenario here is we become that gateway to the east end of Glasgow and part of the open top-bus tour.

"We want people coming [to Glasgow] and saying 'Oh, you must go to Tennent Caledonian'."

Tennent's Lager has been something of a star performer for C&C in recent years as it has continued to dominate the market in Scotland while also growing sales beyond its traditional heartlands.

The growing popularity of a stronger version of the lager in Italy was highlighted by recent sporting events.

The Wellpark brewery was visited by dozens of Italian sporting fans when Celtic hosted Juventus and during the Six Nations rugby match between Scotland and Italy.

Mr Gilligan said: "We have an internationally-famous Scottish product and when you look at the diaspora across the world we think we can grow."

While the lager is a major part of what the business does, Mr Gilligan is keen to stress Tennent Caledonian has a portfolio – now all made using Scottish barley – with brands like Tennent's Export and Caledonian Best which can sit alongside C&C's ciders like Magners and Blackthorn.

The success of Caledonian Best, which has gone from a standing start last year to a double digit percentage market share in its category, has strengthened the case for more product development.

Mr Gilligan said: "It is a fundamental part of what we now do. There is an innovation pipeline and we will be bringing products to the market quicker than we have ever done in the past.

"Local management and local autonomy allows us to do that."

Since C&C came in, Tennent has also been much more active in its financial lending to and work with the on-trade with the taking of a 25% equity stake in Maclay Inns just one example.

For Mr Gilligan, who was brought in initially to boost the company's presence in the on-trade, it is a vital part of what the business does.

He said: "We need to invest in the time of recession. If we don't do that then we come out of the recession with infrastructure which is not good enough."

Mr Gilligan is supportive of the rising popularity of craft brewing in Scotland saying Tennent works with a number of independents and helps get those products into licensed premises.

He said: "There is always room for new businesses and new ideas. You shouldn't try to stifle things."

As someone who has spent a major part of his working life in the drinks industry it is not surprising Mr Gilligan believes there is too much red tape.

He said: "The licensed trade in general is seen as something that needs to be legislated more and more each year."

However, he and C&C continue to back the minimum alcohol pricing plan being proposed by the Scottish Government.

He said: "It is on the back burner at the moment because of the legalities and challenges but we support it."