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William Grant & Sons names recipient of 2018 Ian Murray spirits scholarship
William Grant & Sons has named Anna Rogan of Luvians Bottleshop in St Andrews as the recipient of its Ian Murray Scholarship – a scheme designed to provide further spirits education to a worthy individual working in off-trade retail outlets.
The scholarship programme, open to those aged between 18 and 30, was launched in 2014 in memory of Ian Murray, William Grant’s former prestige retail manager, who passed away in 2013 after a short illness.
Applicants are shortlisted by Murray’s colleagues and Grant family members before an eventual winner is chosen.
Rogan, who began working at Luvians last year, specialises in both whisky and beer. Having graduated with a Masters in Latin from the University of St Andrews, she now helps organise and run weekly in-store tastings and hopes to pursue a long-term career in the spirits industry.
As the the 2018 scholarship recipient, Rogan will be funded through her WSET Level 2 Award and a presentation skills course. She’ll also be treated to an educational distillery visit.
Commenting on the accolade, she said: “I am proud to be awarded this scholarship and excited about the opportunities it brings to enhance my skills and further share my passion with our customers every day. Ian’s approach to whisky – smart, funny and approachable – is exactly what I try to emulate in my work, whether I’m introducing a complete novice or discussing the latest must-have release with a connoisseur.”
Manager of Luvians Bottleshop St Andrews, Archie McDiarmid, added: “Regardless of the scholarship, I would always have been proud to call Anna a member of our team. From the first time I met her selling drams in one our favourite local bars when she was a student, I realised she had a flair and a passion for whisky, and shamelessly poached her when I found out she was looking for a full-time position. I’m sure that the scholarship will make her an even bigger asset to Luvians in the future and be the start of a long, successful career in the trade”.