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The
Distillers’ Charity announces the
results of their work to transform young
lives in Scotland with the release of
their latest impact report.
The Distillers’ Charity has published
its 2024 Impact Report, showcasing the
outstanding achievements of the Youth
Action Fund over the past year.
Established in early 2022 through
proceeds from the success of the
inaugural Distillers One of One Auction,
the Fund was created to support young
people in Scotland—particularly those
from disadvantaged backgrounds—helping
them unlock their potential and
contribute positively to their
communities. Funded by proceeds from the
biennial series of ultra-rare whisky
auctions, 100% of the hammer price from
each auction goes directly to charity,
with the Youth Action Fund as the
principal beneficiary.
Since the first auction, the Fund has
raised an impressive £4.3 million,
supporting over 2,800 young people
through partnerships with dedicated
charities that help break down barriers
to employment. In the past year alone,
1,157 young people across 23 Scottish
local authorities have received crucial
support, addressing challenges such as
mental health struggles, trauma, and
severe deprivation.
The Fund’s impact continues to grow,
with cumulative employability outcomes
reaching 1,974 since its inception,
including 890 in 2024 alone. Young
people supported by the Fund have
significantly improved their long-term
prospects, with 33% securing employment,
28% progressing to further or higher
education, 19% pursuing vocational
training or apprenticeships, and 15%
re-engaging with school. Additionally,
the report highlights 4,403 key
milestones achieved last year, including
gaining recognised qualifications,
improving literacy and numeracy, and
completing Alcohol Awareness Training
(721 participants).
These remarkable outcomes highlight the
programme’s success and the unwavering
commitment of the Scotch Whisky
industry, which has come together to
support the Youth Action Fund in this
essential mission. Grant Gordon OBE,
Chair of The Distillers’ Charity, said:
"This is the third year that we’re
presenting the Impact Report and we’re
very proud to see the exceptional
results that the Youth Action Fund has
achieved to date, thanks to our charity
partners’ hard work, and thanks to the
ongoing support of the Scotch Whisky
industry. The Distillers One of One
Auction series continues to raise a
significant amount to help young people
in Scotland, and we’re looking forward
to this year’s auction to continue the
Fund’s vital work."
Deputy First Minister’s Kate Forbes
said; "The Youth Action Fund has
provided young people with access to
career opportunities including in
Scotland’s vibrant whisky sector. Whisky
exports are worth £5 billion and the
sector supports 41,000 jobs. To boost
the sector’s growth, we are working with
the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and
Scottish Development International to
unleash Scotland’s export potential. Our
budget for 2025-26 includes an
additional £11 million for Local
Employability Partnerships to ensure
that services are in place to support
people furthest away from employment
towards and into work, helping to
address inequality and create a fairer
labour market."
"The generous contributions of a wide
range of Scotch Whisky companies
generates the funding - through the
Distillers One of One auction - that
facilitates the important work of The
Youth Action Fund. The Fund is making a
real, tangible impact reaching and
supporting young people facing
significant disadvantages and barriers
in some of the most deprived areas of
Scotland, helping to improve their lives
during some challenging times", says
Mark Kent, CEO at SWA.
Case studies
Mikey’s Path to Employment: From
Homelessness to employment at Diageo
When Mikey, 20, from Methil, Fife,
joined the Next Steps Programme, he was
homeless, couch-surfing, and struggling
with ADHD, making job applications and
paperwork feel overwhelming. With no
clear direction but a strong desire to
work, he connected with Ashley, his
Employment Coordinator, in May 2024.
Through weekly meetings, structured
support, and step-by-step guidance,
Mikey built confidence, completed an
Employability Award, and gained vital
skills in job coaching, interview
preparation, and financial literacy. His
dedication paid off - after excelling in
his interview, he secured a six-month
internship at Diageo’s Cameronbridge
Distillery. Once daunted by paperwork,
Mikey now navigates official processes
independently and feels optimistic about
his financial future.
KG’s Support to Success: Overcoming
Barriers to Independence
By the age of 16, KG had already endured
family breakdown, homelessness, and the
responsibility of caring for her
siblings all of which took a toll on her
education and confidence. Despite these
challenges, she was determined to pursue
a career working with children but
lacked the qualifications and stability
to move forward. Referred to FARE
Scotland, she found support through her
Key Worker, Hannah, who provided both
practical assistance and emotional
guidance. With structured sessions and
crisis interventions, KG gained
confidence, remained committed to her
work placement despite setbacks, and
took steps toward financial
independence. Her resilience paid off -
she earned her first qualification,
secured a college place in childcare,
and began a modern apprenticeship, now
facing the future with confidence.
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