Elgin firm Gordon & MacPhail donates £80,000 to Trees for Life

FAMILY-OWNED Elgin company Gordon & MacPhail is donating £80,000 to Findhorn-based charity Trees for Life following the sale of Decanter #1 of the world's oldest single malt Scotch whisky at auction.

The Gordon & MacPhail Generations 80-Years-Old from Glenlivet Distillery launched in September.

The business partnered with Sotheby's to raise funds for Trees for Life, whose mission is to restore the Caledonian Forest.

Gordon & MacPhail said the collaboration continues the firm's commitment to legacy.

The spirit from Glenlivet Distillery was laid down on February 3, 1940, by the firm's George Urquhart and his father, John, in a bespoke Gordon & MacPhail cask.

In October, a landmark lot went under the hammer at Sotheby's in Hong Kong, which included Decanter #1, a tasting experience, the framed cask end and a lithograph featuring the original concept drawings by Ghanaian-British architect and designer Sir David Adjaye OBE.

After costs, auction proceeds of £80,000 have been donated to Trees for Life to help fund its tree nursey at Dundreggan, near Glenmoriston in Inverness-shire.

The fifth release in Gordon & MacPhail's Generations series, the special whisky is presented in a jewel-like decanter and oak pavilion designed by Sir David, who worked to the creative theme of "Artistry in Oak".

To kick off the partnership with Trees for Life, a team of six from Gordon & MacPhail visited the nursery earlier this year to plant some oak trees.

Ewen Mackintosh, managing director at Gordon & MacPhail, said: "We chose to partner with Trees for Life because we believe our organisations are closely aligned.

"We're both focused on creating future legacies.

"Much like a golden anniversary is symbolised with gold, an 80th is traditionally commemorated by oak, so the theme and partnership was a natural fit.

"Our whiskies are often decades, if not generations, in the making and Trees for Life are also planning for the long term, so we are very proud to support their mission."

Trees for Life has planted nearly two million trees since its inception in 1993.

The charity has a mission to revitalise the wild forest in the Highlands, providing space for wildlife to flourish and communities to thrive.

Steve Micklewright, Trees for Life chief executive, said: "The partnership and generous contribution will have a significant, positive impact on our nursery at Dundreggan.

"Funding will help us to grow more than 80,000 rare, native trees from seed each year, restoring and enhancing Scotland's natural environment for all."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.