The bond between two iconic emblems of Scotland’s food and drink industry has been cemented at a Moray awards bash.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival was launched with a dinner at Elgin’s Glen Moray Distillery, where some of the event’s greatest supporters were recognised.
Walkers Shortbread boss, Jim Walker, was among those singled out for praise for efforts he has made on behalf of the event and the area.
He received the Spirit of Speyside award in honour of his “lifetime of service”.
Whisky festival chairman, James Campbell, said: “Mr Walker has been a great supporter of Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival since its inception, and has made a major contribution to Aberlour and the wider Speyside communities in so many ways over the years.
“The way in which Mr Walker and his family have overseen the worldwide growth of Walkers Shortbread has been a shining example of excellence.”
When Mr Walker joined the family business in 1961, it employed around 100 people.
He subsequently expanded the company alongside his brother, Joe, and sister, Marjorie.
At its busiest times of the year, it now provides jobs for 1,700 people at its Aberlour and Elgin factories.
The manager of the Glen Moray distillery, Graham Coull, was crowned the festival’s Ambassador of the Year during Wednesday night’s launch event.
The master distiller has overseen the growth of the Elgin plant, and travels the world spreading support for Moray’s whisky industry.
Mr Campbell added: “Mr Coull has gone the extra mile on many occasions to help out and promote our event.”
And Dutch whisky writer, Hans Offringa, was declared International Ambassador of the Year.
Mr Offringa has attended all 18 festivals since it began in 2000, and is credited with boosting its popularity on the continent.
The event regularly attracts thousands of visitors to Moray to tour its distilleries and sample some of the region’s most famous malts.
The annual celebration got under way yesterday, and there are almost 500 events scheduled across its duration.
The festival will draw to a close on Monday, and the latest information on ticket availability is at www.spiritofspeyside.com
