Arran Staff
Here we managed to find our head office staff at their desks long enough to get photographs... "Smile please!"
We are a small team here at Arran. Meet some of us here and feel free to drop us a line.
Stirling Office:
Douglas Davidson
Managing Director
Douglas Davidson - Managing Director
Born in Glasgow "more years ago than he cares to remember" Douglas started his working life in the field of Personnel Management, becoming the youngest ever Fellow of The Institute of Personnel and Development in Europe at that time. From a position as Personnel Director in the major Spinning Division of Dawson International (1,600 people) he moved into the commercial field as Managing Director of a small retail subsidiary of Dawson for his first venture into general management.
He moved to Fife, where he still lives, in the early 1970's as Sales and marketing Director of Babygro Ltd, the UK's largest producer of Babywear, before joining their major competitor three years later as Managing Director. This was followed by a stint as Managing Director of a Cashmere Knitwear company before he set up his own consultancy, specialising in International marketing, which he ran for a period of nine years.
Douglas joined Arran in December 2001 and says he has found the last few years "challenging but gratifying" now that he can clearly see the progress the Company is making in international markets. Although his home overlooks a championship golf course, he admits to few opportunities to play these days due to a heavy travel schedule. He enjoys watching most major sports and also enjoys theatre, eating out, hillwalking, and catching up with his family!
Euan Mitchell
Sales Director
Euan Mitchell - Sales Director
Born in Lanark, Scotland, Euan joined the whisky industry nine years ago after studying Scottish History at the University of Edinburgh. Following a period with the independent bottler William Cadenhead Ltd, Euan moved to the Sales & Marketing department of the Springbank Distillery where he was to spend the next seven years overseeing sales around the world.
In search of a new challenge, he joined Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd in September 2003 and now travels extensively in his role as Sales Director - promoting the Arran range of single malt and blended Scotch whiskies. Although based in Stirling, the job involves frequent visits to the beautiful Isle of Arran to show customers our Distillery at Lochranza.
Maggie Cornwall
Financial Controller
Maggie Cornwall - Financial Controller
Maggie joined Arran in March 2007 and is responsible for the Accounting and Finance function of the Company. Prior to joining Arran she held a number of Senior Financial positions in companies across different sectors. These include roles with Obvious Solutions Ltd – part of the Stepstone Group of Companies, Falkirk Community Stadium Ltd, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Orbital Software Holdings Plc.
Jaclyn McKie
Sales Manager
Jaclyn McKie - Sales Manager
Jaclyn graduated from Glasgow University in French and Italian and cut her teeth in the drinks industry in Montpellier, France working for a management company responsible for a selection of the largest wine producers in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. There she gained good experience in sales and account management for customers in North Europe and North America whilst encouraging her love of good wine and the mediterenean sunshine…..
Jaclyn joined Arran in April 2004 and is responsible for managing and building Arran’s European markets, putting her language skills to good use.
When not in the office or on a plane, Jaclyn loves listening to music of all sorts, socialising with her good friends and trying out new restaurants, going for countryside walks and picnics and reading humourous novels.
Mark Callachan
Planning Manager
Mark Callachan - Planning Manager
Mark’s previous experience in the drinks industry includes 11 years with The Drambuie Liqueur Co Ltd where he gained invaluable experience in areas such as whisky cellar, compounding, production, warehousing, shipping, export and customer services.
He joined Isle of Arran in 2002 as Planning Manager with responsibility for the purchasing, production, warehousing and distribution of all company whisky products.
Mark says "since I took up my position with Arran the company has seen a lot of product changes and new developments over the last 3 years which has been very challenging but, also very rewarding being involved with a relatively new whisky company and helping it grow and develop."
Out of work Mark enjoys watching football, trying to reduce his golf handicap on the weekends, holidaying and also likes a flutter on the horses with occasional visits to Hamilton, Musselburgh and Ayr races.
Matt Edwards
Market Support Manager
Matt Edwards - Market Support Manager
Matt, born in Hampshire, moved to Scotland in 1998 whilst working as a professional musician. His move up here, from Peterborough, earned him a place in the history books as he became the youngest Cathedral Director of Music in the UK. After a period of performing and teaching, he decided for a change in career and began office administration work. He lives in nearby Alloa.
After graduating from the Open University with a BA(Hons) in Music, Maths and Computing, Matt joined Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd in May 2005. Coming from 3 years as Office Manager for an equestrian magazine he felt it time for a new challenge. The role is a developing one, involving work both in and out of the office.
Out of work, Matt still enjoys his musical persuits, he is Director of Music at nearby Alloa West Church and regularly gives concerts locally and nationally. Musically, he has more letters after his name than we have space to list! Currently, he is also Musical Director of Alloa Musical Players and, in his spare time, he is also a keen church bellringer.
Nicole Lie
Accounts Assistant
Nicole Lie - Accounts Assistant
Nicole joined Arran in late 2005 as our Accounts Assistant, previously working for Dicksons of Dunblane for the past 8 years. Her role here at Arran includes work in our accounts department, making sure that money continues to flow both ways - and in the right directions - no easy task!
Outside of Arran, Nicole enjoys socialising with her friends and family, and weekends of caravaning.
Gillian Snaddon
Bulk Stock Administrator
Gillian Snaddon - Bulk Stock Administrator
Gillian previously worked at Diageo for 17 years, including roles in the sensory department and C & E. After a gap in her working life to raise her twin daughters, she joined Arran in May 2006.
Here at Arran, Gillian insures that our vast, and valuable, whisky stocks remain in order - that is over 10,000 casks to keep track of!
In Gillians very little spare time, she enjoys relaxing with her family, socialising and weekends away to her caravan.
James MacTaggart
Distillery Manager
James MacTaggart - Distillery Manager
Previously with Bowmore Distillers where he has been employed for the past 30 years in a senior production capacity. James brings vast experience to the Company and will play a key part in maintaining the quality of the brand in future years.
Out of the office, James enjoys golf, football, playing keyboard and guitar. He also enjoys family holidays as it gives him a chance to get the family together and catch up.
Robin Bell
Visitor Centre Manager
Robin Bell - Visitor Centre Manager
Robin and his family have lived most of their lives in the North East of England - coming to Scotland for many holidays. They moved to Arran in 2002, with Robin's first job there being a tour guide at our Distillery. He took over the reins as Visitor Centre Manager in February 2006.
His many years in various sales and management positions have been of great benefit to the Visitor Centre, enabling him to perform the many varied tasks that this busy tourist attraction requires. Not least welcoming over 60,000 visitors a year!