Photo: The Spirits Business, 2025
Excerpt from thespiritsbusiness.com
Scotch whisky and gin maker Isle of Harris Distillery will restructure its business after facing “challenging headwinds”, cutting jobs and production in the process.
The distillery was established in 2015 and is one of the largest employers on the Isle of Harris in Scotland with 45 members of staff.
In a statement, the company confirmed it would implement a restructuring programme, following “challenging headwinds” in the spirits industry.
Simon Erlanger, managing director of Isle of Harris Distillery, said: “In a move to safeguard the future of our business, today we are introducing a restructuring programme, which will see reduced production and workforce at the distillery.
“Much like our colleagues in the wider spirits industry, we are facing challenging headwinds that have led to some incredibly difficult decisions.
“Following a number of cost-cutting measures, voluntary redundancy is being offered to staff in the first instance, with compulsory to follow thereafter if we do not fulfil our cost reduction target.”
The company did not disclose how many jobs would be affected as consultations are ongoing.
As part of the restructure, the business will now move from two shifts a day to one in its distillation.
Erlanger called the situation “deeply regrettable” and expressed his thanks to the team, particularly to those affected by the restructure, for their “dedication and contribution to the business”.
