WHISKY industry veteran Bill Farrar has joined the board of Ian MacLeod distillers as a non-executive director.

Mr Farrar this month left Edrington after a decades-long career with the global spirits giant.

Leonard Russell, managing director of Broxburn-based Ian MacLeod, said he had known Mr Farrar for more than 30 years and his experience would be much valued at the company.

“Bill is doing a variety of things but I’m happy to say he’s become a non-exec director [at Ian Macleod],” said Mr Russell. “I think he’ll be very helpful to us. He’s got a big company background and has experience on working with brands like The Macallan, so he’ll be useful to us with our brand positioning and marketing generally.”

Known for its Glengoyne and Tamdhu whiskies, Ian MacLeod acquired the Spencerfield Spirit Company last year, adding Edinburgh Gin to its portfolio.

Mr Russell said the addition of Edinburgh Gin had been performing well for the business since its integration. And he added that in his role, Mr Farrar would be working across all brands, not just whisky.

In his most recent role at Edrington Mr Farrar was managing director super premium. His career with Edrington stretches back to 1989. He joined the board in 2003 and has overseen the rapid growth of The Macallan and the development of Edrington’s international distribution businesses.