Whisky Focus - Trossachs Cooperage Set To Open In Callander

A major vote of confidence in Scotland’s Scotch whisky industry is set to take shape with the launch of a new coopering facility, supported by a £1.3 million investment.

Founded by Gary Drummond — a second-generation cooper with over 18 years of experience — Trossachs Cooperage will be based in Callander, Stirlingshire. The facility will create 12 skilled local jobs in its first year, with the initial team including four seasoned coopers who bring more than 120 years of combined expertise. In a commitment to preserving and advancing the traditional craft, four apprentices will also be recruited.

Trossachs Cooperage aims to become a certified training centre and a member of the National Cooperage Federation. Apprentices will follow a customised SVQ Award programme, with hands-on mentorship from Gary’s father, himself a highly experienced cooper.

The cooperage will operate from newly secured premises at the Cambusmore Estate, Ballachallan, currently undergoing a full-scale fit-out. Set to open in May 2025, the facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, including a high-spec rejuvenation system designed with the latest safety standards.

Backing the venture is a Scottish investment consortium led by accomplished entrepreneurs, including directors Alan Wright and Tim Allan. Alan brings extensive leadership experience from some of the whisky sector’s most respected names, while Tim contributes wide-ranging commercial acumen from his roles as former President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Chair of V&A Dundee.

Gary Drummond, who honed his craft at Diageo’s Carsebridge and Cambus cooperages, said: "The Scotch whisky industry is a pillar of Scotland’s food and drink economy, but coopering — a centuries-old craft — has faced serious challenges. Skills shortages and limited repair capacity have led to hundreds of thousands of casks being scrapped, which if repaired and rejuvenated could have gone back into circulation. Subsequently, distillers are forced to solely rely on costly first fill casks.

"Trossachs Cooperage aims to reverse that trend by repairing, rejuvenating, and hardening oak casks to make them fit for fill — reducing waste, cutting costs, and lowering environmental impact. Our ethos is built on skills, sustainability, and Scottish craftsmanship, and we are incredibly proud to drive this forward from Callander.

"The support from our investment group, along with the strategic guidance from partners like Johnston Carmichael, has been instrumental in bringing our vision to life — especially at a time when investment and renewed confidence in the Scotch whisky sector are so vitally needed."

The project is chaired by David Ovens, Joint Managing Director at Archangel Investors, and has received crucial early and ongoing support from a team of trusted advisers. Leading business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael played a central role, leveraging their extensive network and industry insight to identify and connect the right partners. Legal specialists Thorntons and property expert Jonathan Sutton have also contributed their expertise, helping to build the strong foundation needed to propel the project forward.

Adam Hardie, Business Development Partner and Head of Food & Drink at Johnston Carmichael, said: "Trossachs Cooperage is exactly the kind of entrepreneurial venture Scotland’s food and drink sector needs. With its ethos rooted in tradition, yet firmly focused on the future, it has been a pleasure to support Gary.

"The commitment to inspiring and shaping the next generation of coopers is remarkable, and I have every confidence that this business will quickly become a valuable asset to Scotland’s iconic whisky industry."

Designed with sustainability at its heart, the facility will be dedicated to achieving zero waste. Every by-product — from wood offcuts to sawdust — will be recycled, repurposed, or transformed into firewood for use in the cooperage’s traditional rejuvenation process. Operations will be powered entirely by renewable energy, sourced from both solar and wind, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.

Trossachs Cooperage has already generated strong interest within the industry and secured its first client, The Borders Distillery, which will support its rejuvenation work. With momentum building, the company has ambitious plans for growth in the coming months.

John Fordyce, Managing Director at The Borders Distillery, said: "Gary and the team have committed to reviving traditional rejuvenation methods for casks and we are delighted to be sending up our first batch ready for the opening. The initiative taken by Trossachs and the investors is forward thinking and bold. It opens up opportunity for Borders and we are looking forward to our collaboration."

Looking ahead, Gary envisions expanding the facility to include a visitor centre and café — creating a vibrant space to showcase Scotland’s rich coopering heritage, while fostering local tourism and community connection.
 

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