Latest news with #Sherry


The Herald Scotland
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
New £25m landmark whisky distillery fills first casks
Ardgowan Distillery in Inverkip is to formally opened today by Kate Forbes, Scotland's Deputy First Minister, as its first casks are filled since building concluded earlier this month. Founded in 2017, the firm is led by Roland Grain, whisky entrepreneur, and Laura Davies, distillery manager, who together spearhead an expert team with a combined experience spanning over seven decades in the whisky industry. Kate Forbes said it was a 'significant moment'. (Image: Getty Images) Featuring a sweeping Scandinavian longhouse design and 97 per cent recycled aluminium roof, the distillery has its sights set on producing top quality whisky and striving for carbon neutrality. Ms Forbes said: 'This is a significant moment for the region's economy, with investment and job opportunities set to boost local communities. 'Scotland's whisky industry is a pivotal contributor to our positive global standing and provides great economic benefit, adding over £7 billion to the UK economy and generating £5.4bn in exports alone. 'I congratulate the team at Ardgowan for the dedication they have shown on this journey and I wish them every success as they enter the next phase of their operations.' Following eight years of development, planning and construction, it is the first new distillery to open in Inverclyde for over a century. The firm said that, until now, the last distillery to operate in the region was destroyed in the Greenock Blitz. The first casks are filled. (Image: Ardgowan Distillery) Mr Grain said: 'After a lengthy build, the team and I are thrilled to now be in full production and filling casks with our own distillate, including private casks for our Clan Ardgowan members. Ardgowan's ultimate goal is to revive the golden age of Scotch whisky with long Sherry cask maturation in European oak. 'Our commitment to quality is demonstrated by investing millions of pounds in our bespoke Infinity Casks years before the distillery was built. Producing whisky is all about time and patience, so, as we fill our first casks and the Deputy First Minister opens the site to the public, we look forward to steadily perfecting our Single Malt in the years to come.' The Ardgowan Distillery's visitor centre is planned to open later this summer 'with various experiences on offer, catering for whisky novices and connoisseurs alike'. 8,000 new jobs to be created Around 8,000 jobs could be created in an Aberdeenshire town over the next decade as £1 billion is set to be invested into energy transition projects.


Scotsman
12 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
The first new distillery in Inverclyde in a century opens - take a look inside Ardgowan
Independent Scotch whisky distillery Ardgowan has been formally opened today (20 June) by Scotland's deputy first Minister Kate Forbes, as its first casks are filled since building concluded earlier this month. Founded in 2017, the west coast firm is led by whisky entrepreneur Roland Grain and distillery manager Laura Davies who together spearhead an expert team with a combined experience spanning over seven decades in the whisky industry. Featuring an impressive Scandinavian longhouse design and visually striking 97% recycled aluminium roof, the distillery has its sights set on producing top quality whisky and striving for carbon neutrality. Following eight years of development, planning and construction, it is the first new distillery to open in Inverclyde for over a century. Until now, the last distillery to operate in the region was destroyed in the Greenock Blitz on 7th May 1941. The opening was led by Ms Forbes, with press and industry colleagues attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony and speeches. The site will then open to the public between 3-7pm with live music, local food vendors, a children's activity area, and exclusive whiskies on offer. Commenting on this major landmark, Mr Grain said: "After a lengthy build, the team and I are thrilled to now be in full production and filling casks with our own distillate, including private casks for our Clan Ardgowan members. "Ardgowan's ultimate goal is to revive the golden age of Scotch whisky with long Sherry cask maturation in European oak. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated by investing millions of pounds in our bespoke Infinity Casks years before the distillery was built. "Producing whisky is all about time and patience, so, as we fill our first casks and the Deputy First Minister opens the site to the public, we look forward to steadily perfecting our Single Malt in the years to come.' Scotland's deputy first minister Kate Forbes added: "This is a significant moment for the region's economy, with investment and job opportunities set to boost local communities. 'Scotland's whisky industry is a pivotal contributor to our positive global standing and provides great economic benefit, adding over £7 billion to the UK economy and generating £5.4 billion in exports alone. 'I congratulate the team at Ardgowan for the dedication they have shown on this journey and I wish them every success as they enter the next phase of their operations.' The Ardgowan Distillery's visitor centre is planned to open later this summer with various experiences on offer, catering for whisky novices and connoisseurs alike.

The National
14 hours ago
- Business
- The National
First new distillery in Inverclyde in more than 100 years opens
Following eight years of development, planning, and construction, Ardgowan Distillery was officially opened in a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes on Friday. The distillery was designed with a Scandinavian longhouse aesthetic in mind, and along with it being visually striking, it also champions sustainability with its 97% recycled aluminium roof and composite cladding. The distillery has its sights set on not only producing top-quality whisky but also striving for carbon neutrality simultaneously. READ MORE: Community pub developed from historic school and outdoor centre set to open Forbes congratulated the Ardgowan team during her visit to the distillery as she said they have shown dedication to make the project a reality over the last eight years. She said: 'This is a significant moment for the region's economy, with investment and job opportunities set to boost local communities. 'Scotland's whisky industry is a pivotal contributor to our positive global standing and provides great economic benefit, adding over £7 billion to the UK economy and generating £5.4 billion in exports alone. (Image: Martin McAdam) 'I congratulate the team at Ardgowan for the dedication they have shown on this journey and I wish them every success as they enter the next phase of their operations.' The last distillery to operate in Inverclyde was destroyed in the Greenock Blitz on May 7, 1941. The Ardgowan Distillery's visitor centre is also planned to open later this summer with various experiences on offer. The site will be open to the public between 15:00-19:00 on Friday with live music, local food vendors, a children's activity area, and exclusive whiskies on offer to celebrate the grand opening. Founded in 2017, the west coast firm is led by whisky entrepreneur Roland Grain and distillery manager Laura Davies, who are leading an expert team with a combined experience spanning over seven decades in the whisky industry. (Image: Martin McAdam) Grain said: 'After a lengthy build, the team and I are thrilled to now be in full production and filling casks with our own distillate, including private casks for our Clan Ardgowan members. 'Ardgowan's ultimate goal is to revive the golden age of Scotch whisky with long Sherry cask maturation in European oak. 'Our commitment to quality is demonstrated by investing millions of pounds in our bespoke Infinity Casks years before the distillery was built. 'Producing whisky is all about time and patience, so, as we fill our first casks and the Deputy First Minister opens the site to the public, we look forward to steadily perfecting our Single Malt in the years to come.'


Edinburgh Live
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
David Beckham apologises to sons in Father's Day post amid Brooklyn 'feud'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info David Beckham seems to have addressed the ongoing family rift as he made a statement on Father's Day. The dedicated father is reportedly heartbroken over his fallout with eldest son Brooklyn, who didn't attend any of his 50th birthday celebrations last month. Adding to the former England captain's woes, Brooklyn also completely overlooked his recent knighthood, while the rest of the clan gathered to celebrate his long-awaited honour. All eyes were on Brooklyn to see if the aspiring chef would acknowledge his dad on Father's Day. While he has remained entirely silent unlike his brothers, David and Victoria seemed to confront the issue head-on in their most open posts yet about their estranged son. READ MORE - Laura Anderson takes 'veiled swipe' at ex Gary Lucy in Father's Day post READ MORE - Liam Gallagher slams Edinburgh Council ahead of gigs warning 'your attitude stinks' David started off with an apology as he humorously referred to the nickname he still insists they use for him. In a heartbreaking revelation, he then stated that he will always be there for his children 'no matter what,' reports the Mirror. On Father's Day, David reached out, saying: "My most important and favourite job in life is being a dad... I'm so proud of all of you and like daddy ( sorry boys ) tells you every single day I will always be here for you no matter what... ". He expressed gratitude towards his mother: "Mummy thank you for doing the most important part and making me a father there is no greater gift in life than making me a dad... Happy Father's Day. " He further declared his love for his children, emphatically stating: "I love you kiddies more than you could imagine." Meanwhile, Victoria Beckham seemed to aim a heartfelt message straight to her son Brooklyn on Father's Day. The stylish designer took to social media with a nostalgic video featuring David and the kids belting out 'Sherry' by the Four Seasons, captured in better times. The footage featured an elated David as he gave Harper a cuddle while Brooklyn and Cruz were right next to captioned the touching video with: "Happy Father's Day to the best daddy there is!". She continued, praising David's heart-led parenting: "You always lead with love and our beautiful children are a reflection of that. We all love you so so much," she concluded. She also tagged all her offspring in the post, ensuring Brooklyn was kept in the loop, reminding him he's still part of the family. Victoria supplemented this with snaps of David and the kids from various family gatherings, some of which Brooklyn was absent from. Insiders close to the Beckham family have spilled this week that "Brooklyn has told his family he wants no contact and he's not responding to those that try to connect." (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)


The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Victoria Beckham and Mollie King pay sweet Father's Day tributes with heartfelt messages as celebs follow suit
HAPPY Father's Day wishes have been shared from a number of celebrities including Victoria Beckham and ex-The Saturdays singer Mollie King. In amongst the sweet tributes there were also some poignant ones as many remembered people they had lost. Advertisement 3 Victoria shared a sweet tribute to husband David Credit: instagram 3 Mollie King shared a heartfelt message to partner Stuart Broad Credit: Victoria Beckham, 51, shared a video and photo montage of husband David, 50, with their four children — Brooklyn, 26, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 22, and Harper Seven, 13. She wrote next to the post: "Happy Father's Day to the best daddy there is! You always lead with love and our four beautiful children are a reflection of that. We all love you so so much!!" Victoria then tagged all of her children in the heartfelt post. The video shared by the fashion designer sees David sitting beside Brooklyn, Cruz and Harper, all snuggled up on a sofa. Advertisement Read more in Celebrity They're enjoying drinks while singing Sherry by The Four Seasons, and all look in great spirits. David attempts to sing too low at one point in the clip, leading Brooklyn to break out into laughter. Most notably included in the post was their eldest son Brooklyn, who is rumoured to be feuding with his parents. One person commented: 'I always thought he was a very present father, with strong life values, loving but authoritative but also strict. Together you raised four "healthy" young adults and I think that in your world it is not easy unfortunately. Good job!' Advertisement Most read in Celebrity A second person penned: 'Happy Father's Day to your wonderful husband,' and a third said: 'No matter what is happening with Brooklyn you will still protect him at all cost! Nothing but respect for you.' Also sharing their love was ex-The Saturdays singer Mollie King, 38, who posted a loving tribute to her partner, Stuart Broad, 38, with whom she shares Annabella, two, and baby Liliana, born in January. She wrote: "Just when I thought I couldn't love you more, you became the most incredible dad to our little girls. Watching you with them makes my heart burst - you're so loving and so much fun, they completely adore you! "They're the luckiest to call you their Daddy, and I'm the luckiest to do this with you. Happy Father's Day." Advertisement She then reflected: "And to my own Dad, who I miss and think about every single day - thank you for being the best Dad we could've ever asked for. "It breaks my heart that you never got to meet Liliana, but I know my girls are carrying your love with them. Happy Father's Day, Dad! Missing you as always xxx" In 2022, Mollie shared that she had lost her dad, Stephen, had died of a She wrote: ''Heartbroken beyond words. In August, my family's world was shattered when my Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Advertisement ''Last week, we had to face the day we hoped would never come and say goodbye. Dad, we love you with all our hearts and we will miss you every single day. ''You have been our hero and it's impossible to think of our lives without you." Former Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson, 40, also took to Instagram to celebrate her baby daddy, Gorka Marquez, 34. Sharing a number of adorable photos and videos of the Strictly pro with their two children, Mia, five, and Thiago, who is almost two, she wrote: "Happy Father's Day Gorks! Advertisement "This day and everyday you're the best dad. Always up for adventures, cuddles and laughs even when you're mid tour and absolutely shattered you still make the effort to be home with us. "A great example to Mia & Tio of hard graft and determination, whilst keeping family first. We love you!" The Spanish star will be playing football on Sunday evening in Soccer Aid to raise money for UNICEF. According to reports, the dancer has been using his time to recruit newly single TV and radio host Paddy McGuinness to the BBC show. Advertisement Emmerdale actress Amy Walsh, 38, posted some sweet photos and videos to wish her husband Toby-Alexander Smith, 34, a happy Father's Day. She wrote: " We are so unbelievably grateful to have you! To the best daddy in the world . We love you so much! Couldn't have chosen better. You really are the BEST daddy to our Bonbon ." Adding his own poignant message, singer Jake Quickenden, 36, wrote: "Happy Father's Day, a day I find tremendously hard but now so filled with love, becoming a dad is my favourite thing ever ( it's extremely hard). "When I lost my dad I was so lost for a long time, he was a character. I've never heard a bad word spoken about my dad, all his mates would tell me he would fill a room with his smile and laughter, I've bumped into nurses that looked after my dad when he was ill and they all day the same, how much of a nice guy he was. Advertisement "I miss him so much. He was also a great dad, he pushed me in sport, he encouraged me to follow my dreams. He taught me respect and manners something now I'm passing on to my kids…. He was my pal but I wouldn't cross him he had the dad look down to a T…. "Something I'm working on ( Leo just laughs at me when I give him a look lol ) I miss my dad everyday not just Father's Day, but I know this day hits harder for some, so I'm saying you're not alone it hurts, let it hurt it's just love you never got to give. Have a nice day." Jake tragically lost his dad Paul to bone cancer in 2010 , and his brother Oliver, aged just 19 to osteosarcoma in 2012. 3 David with daughter Harper Credit: instagram Advertisement