Moray business giant Gordon & MacPhail reopening at Johnstons of Elgin
Gordon & MacPhail will open the doors this Saturday of a new retail shop and whisky tasting rooms besides Johnstons of Elgin.
The past six weeks have seen the family firm’s staff working round the clock alongside local contractors to get the site ready following the sudden closure of the St Giles shopping centre.
On offer at the new site will be the firm’s own whiskies plus an exceptional selection from other distilleries, as well as gins, vodkas, rums and top-quality still, sparkling and fortified wines.
Phillip White, the company’s chief executive, said he was proud of the team effort.
He added: “Our investment here reflects our long-term commitment to Elgin – the place of our company’s beginnings over a century ago.
“The recent closure of St Giles shopping centre was unexpected but presented an opportunity to evaluate our options as to how best we can serve our customers and community.
“The Courtyard at Johnstons of Elgin offers visitors a premium retail experience with plenty of space and a lovely café just next door.
“It’s the ideal space for our temporary whisky experience and retail offering while our South Street premises continue to undergo renovation.”
These thoughts were echoed by Stephen Rankin, who’s worked with Gordon & MacPhail for more than a quarter of a century and holds the title of director of prestige.
He said: “It’s a wonderful location which is so full of heritage. Johnstons has been going since 1797, while this is the 130th year since our foundation.
“As a business we’re very committed to Elgin because this is where it all began and it’s still a great place to live and visit.”
The larger of the two tasting rooms has a ‘farmhouse kitchen’ feel and overlooks the courtyard, while the other has sash windows, a fireplace and the cask end of what was at the time the oldest whisky in the world.
Chris Gaffney, Johnstons of Elgin’s chief executive, said: “Johnstons are delighted to welcome Gordon & MacPhail. It’s a great match of two family companies that have a worldwide customer base and iconic products made in Moray.
“I’m sure it will give guests from near and far even more of a reason to visit us.”
The contractors who have worked on the conversion include plumbers McKerron and Milne, joiners Forteath & Sinclair, electricians Campbell & McHardy, Hendersons Decorators, LDN Architects and POD Design,
The new Gordon & MacPhail site on Newmill Road will open to visitors from 10am on Saturday, March 1.
For more information or to book a tasting, visit the company’s website.
