Iain McClune (Vintage Saga Ltd) purchases The Dormant Distillery Company

We are pleased to announce that the Dormant Distillery Company has been acquired by Iain McClune, Scottish whisky, wine and spirits entrepreneur, enthusiast, and former Royal Mile Whiskies employee.

The Dormant Distillery Company brands, which includes Royal Mile Whiskies, Drinkmonger and The Cigar Box, will all be retained, owned and operated independently in Scotland as part of the deal.

Iain worked at Royal Mile Whiskies for nearly a decade and becomes the second ex-employee to return as owner of the business. The acquisition will be made through Vintage Saga, McClune’s investment company, which includes Whisky Auctioneer, Wine Auctioneer, Rum Auctioneer and Bright Spirits.

This is an exciting opportunity for development of the Dormant Distillery Company businesses, whilst ensuring we remain independent and Scottish-owned. This acquisition will maintain our committed and people-first culture, with passionate employees who will continue supporting our customers and partners with the service they have come to expect.

“I am delighted to pass the business over to Iain who as a former employee shares my affection for the business and understands the importance of our fantastic team of drinks enthusiasts. As a former employee myself, who returned to buy Royal Mile Whiskies, it is greatly satisfying to pass the baton on to one of our own, who shares my vision for the business and I trust to carry on our values.

“The fact that the business retains its independent spirit but at the same time gains the backing and support of the equally enthusiastic and talented team at Vintage Saga, makes it a very exciting time for DDC.

“They inherit not only the wonderful staff, but a very supportive bunch of suppliers and loyal customers to all of whom I send my huge thanks for their contribution over the past quarter century. I wish Iain, Arthur and all of the team my very best for a bright future, and shall continue to cheer you all on from the sidelines.”

Keir Sword, Founder of Dormant Distillery Company

As part of Vintage Saga, the Dormant Distillery Company will continue to operate independently as its own entity, and also independently from other businesses within the group.

Arthur Motley and Stuart Smith have been instrumental in the day-to-day running of the business for some time, and we’re pleased to announce that Arthur takes over from Keir as Managing Director and Stuart becomes Operations Director, providing continuity within the DDC senior management team.

“Iain is a true whisky enthusiast, and as a former Manager of Royal Mile Whiskies, his love for amazing drinks matches that of our incredible staff. I know he admires our values and independent spirit, but also the community that specialist shops like Drinkmonger and Royal Mile Whiskies are at the very heart of.

Our business will operate as usual, with our priorities centred to the engagement of those who want to discover and learn more about whisky, wine and spirits with tastings, events and much lauded incentives such as Drammer’s Reward continuing. There is much more we want to achieve, and I can’t wait to work with Iain on our plans.”

Arthur Motley, New Managing Director of Dormant Distillery Company

Arthur and Stuart will benefit from Vintage Saga Ltd’s knowledge, expertise, relationships and reputation which will support its continued growth.

“I echo Keir’s values and understand his vision for the future of the Dormant Distillery Company. The team at DDC is what makes it so unique and I am excited to be a part of it again.

“Vintage Saga and DDC are both independent Scottish companies with the same knowledge-centric approach and people-first culture, with committed and passionate employees who contribute hugely to the success of the businesses.

“Exciting times are ahead and I am particularly pleased to be inheriting such a great team as they will be crucial to the ongoing success and future growth of the DDC brands. Under Keir’s tenure, Royal Mile Whiskies has become recognised as one of the great independent UK whisky merchants and this reputation is exactly what we look forward to building with all at DDC.”

Iain McClune, Founder of Vintage Saga

Dave Broom, award winning drinks writer, also commented on the acquisition:

“Over the past 25 years Royal Mile Whiskies has been an exemplar of a great drinks retail business. It has evolved over time, pioneering new avenues, but the secret to its success is it’s a business run by people who put the customer first. They have not just sold whisky, they have educated, entertained, and advised about it - and other spirits - because they care deeply about what they are selling.

“While this is the end of an era, I’m delighted the firm will remain independent and, importantly, with Iain as the new owner, that it is staying in Scottish hands. I wish Keir all the best in his future ventures, but know that with Arthur at the helm that continuing success will be guaranteed.”

An FAQ document has been prepared and can be read for further information here.