We are delighted to have partnered with students from Milburn Academy in Inverness to create a new mural for the distillery, which brings to life the incredible people, landscape and industry that make up the region’s past and present.
Delivered in collaboration with Developing the Young Workforce Inverness and Central Highlands (DYWICH), the project aims to showcase the range of roles open to young people in the Highlands and to encourage them to consider a career in the local area.
Students were immersed in the rich history of Tomatin before creating mood boards which represented the elements they felt were most central to the Tomatin way of life – from heritage, craftsmanship and production to the rolling hills, barley fields and River Findhorn that flows under the Tomatin viaduct.
Mural artist Marc Delaye was commissioned to work with the students to bring the piece of art to life as a lasting moment in the distillery’s history, which dates back to 1897.
Spanning five metres in length, the mural will also be used to pay tribute to Tomatin’s current longest-serving employee, Richard Noble, who has worked at the distillery for five decades this year. His inclusion nods to the vital role which people have played during the long history of the distillery.
Steven Grant, HR Manager at Tomatin, said: “As many of our employees, past and present, have roots in Milburn Academy, this partnership holds a special significance for us. Through this initiative, we not only aim to inspire and engage the next generation of talent but also celebrate the timeless attraction of the Highland way of life.
“The mural represents our ‘To What Matters’ ethos, which nods to the important things that matter in life, and we believe that involving students in projects like this not only enriches their learning experiences but fosters a deeper connection to their local area and understanding of job opportunities within their community.”
Nel Rodger, DYWICH School Co-Ordinator for Milburn Academy said: “DYWICH has been instrumental in getting his project with Tomatin Distillery off the ground and I’m so happy that the young people involved have got so much out of the experience.
“It has helped them learn about the vast array of skills and career opportunities within this industry and strengthen the school’s relationship with such a prominent business in the area. We want to encourage these students to think about their futures and help them to build confidence, while also contributing to the lasting legacy of Tomatin Distillery. I’m looking forward to continuing this partnership with Tomatin and providing many more learning opportunities for the young people at Milburn Academy.”
Richard Noble, Head Warehouseman said: “Working at Tomatin is more than a job, it’s a whole way of life. I live in the village of Tomatin with my wife, it’s where we raised our daughters, and when I am not at the distillery, I’m usually out in the local countryside hill walking or fishing.
“Throughout my time working at Tomatin, I have seen many changes across the distillery. However, what has not changed is the dedication and hard work of our team, and our deeply rooted connection to Tomatin. I am looking forward to seeing the young people’s portrayal of Tomatin come to life.”
Whisky production has been central to the way of life in Tomatin since the 15th century, with the first formal distillery established in 1897. Today, the local landscape and community remain at the heart of the company, with many of the distillery’s craftspeople working at Tomatin for their entire working lives.
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