Everyone at Orkney Distilling is thrilled to welcome Louis Wright onto the team!
Louis has been appointed to head of production for our new Kirkwall distillery and visitor centre, which is set to open later this year.
Originally from Kirkwall, Louis is currently undergoing full training for his role with Strathearn Distillery, where some of the country’s finest craft spirits are produced, and will be producing all of our gin in the new Kirkwall premises as soon it reaches completion later this spring.
Louis, a former pupil of Kirkwall Grammar School, studied History at the University of Edinburgh, working as a tour guide at Highland Park Distillery during his summer holidays. Following his graduation he worked in Belgium for three months with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Louis said: “It has long been my intention to build a career in the drinks trade, particularly after having worked at Highland Park as a tour guide during summers at home.
“I was fascinated by how alcohol was produced, particularly gin and whisky, but also captivated by the stories that underpin each product, which are almost as important as the spirits themselves.
“When I came back from Belgium, initially for Christmas, Stephen and Aly Kemp from Orkney Distilling contacted me about the position on their team. Kirkjuvagr is a high quality and authentic product with a unique story and sense of place, so it was a great opportunity for me.”
Louis added: “My role at Orkney Distilling will primarily be as head of production, but it'll also involve product and brand development, along with boosting public engagement through the medium of tours, tasting, exhibitions and trade shows. I can't wait to get started!”
Director Stephen Kemp said: “Louis caught our eye early on in the hunt for suitable candidates for this important role within our new Kirkwall distillery. We knew he was an experienced and knowledgeable guide, with a strong academic background, but we were also aware of his great enthusiasm for the drinks trade, his appreciation of the distilling craft and his willingness to learn.”
All the best Louis!
