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Distiller’s
daughter takes trip down memory lane to
mark 80th birthday at Linkwood
Distillery.
A historic Elgin distillery, normally closed to the public, has opened its
doors to a very special guest to mark her 80th birthday.
Nora Fraser, who celebrated her milestone birthday yesterday (on 4 September),
was born at Linkwood Distillery in one of the site cottages in 1939. The
daughter of Henry Arthur Stephen and his wife Elizabeth, Nora grew up with her
two brothers, Jim and Henry, living in the shadow of an operational whisky
distillery.
Now, Diageo, which owns Linkwood Distillery, has opened its doors to Nora and
her family, allowing her to return to the site of her childhood home for the
first time in 55 years. Nora was joined by her son Steve and her daughter Susan,
along with their partners, for the visit which was an emotional trip back down
memory lane. Nora and her family were met by distillery manager Debbie Watt who
gave them a guided tour of the Speyside site.
Nora’s childhood was not uncommon during this period but she and her siblings
were the only children to live at Linkwood Distillery during the 30s and 40s.
Her father, Henry, began working at the distillery after serving in the latter
stages of WWI. After working his way up the ranks, holding a variety of roles
including Mashman and Brewer, he eventually earned the title of Head Brewer at
the distillery. Whilst he was employed at Linkwood, he lived in a tied cottage
with his family. Nora herself lived at the distillery until 1958, when she moved
to Aberdeen to study at university before graduating as a pharmacist. It was at
university she met her late husband Robin who she married in 1962, leaving from
Linkwood to the church in Elgin.
Speaking of her visit, Nora said: "A lot has changed at Linkwood since I grew up
there. It’s sad that our family cottage no longer exists but the distillery has,
of course, been rebuilt and brought up to date.
"What does remain though are the fond memories of growing up in such a unique
environment. I’m sure very few people can say they were actually born at a
working whisky distillery and this is something I’m very proud of. As a family
we loved living here with all the sights, smells and noise. It’s funny how
things flood back just by walking around. It really does mean so much to be able
to come back to my childhood home, a place which hold such a special place in my
family’s hearts."
 Nora’s son Steve Fraser said:
"I vividly recall as a child my Granda
talking about his life in the distillery
and his affinity with whisky. His
passion has influenced me greatly and I
am very much a whisky enthusiast to this
day. I have visited many distilleries
but it was so special to be able to
visit one with such a close family
connection, especially on my Mum’s
birthday."
Linkwood Distillery Manager, Debbie Watt, said: "It was an absolute pleasure to
welcome Nora and her family back to the distillery. I have never met anyone who
can say they were actually born at an operational whisky distillery but it was
fascinating to hear her story and learn more about her family’s connections to
Linkwood.
"Despite the changes in the whisky
industry since Nora grew up here, people
are still at its core and we are
honoured to help celebrate Nora’s 80th
birthday."
During her tour of the distillery, Nora recalled vivid memories of life growing
up next to a working distillery, including being told to stay indoors whilst
casks were being rolled, and wandering through the distillery as a young child
whilst the stills were being worked. She looked through family photos taken at
her Linkwood home, including from the day she was a bridesmaid at a friend’s
wedding.
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