The Robertson sisters

History

The Group is a major private group in the Scotch whisky industry with a number of specialist operations covering every facet of Scotch whisky distilling, blending and bottling.

The origins of the Group, today one of the largest companies in the Scotch whisky industry, stretch back to the 1850s when the company was founded in Glasgow by the Robertson family. Edrington continues to operate with the Robertson family values of Integrity, Independence, Involvement and Innovation.

The Robertson family was also responsible for founding Highland Distillers back in 1887 and in autumn 1999, Edrington acquired Highland along with its powerful brands The Famous Grouse, The Macallan and Highland Park. These are distributed throughout the world through a series of distribution networks and partnerships.

In February 2008, Edrington acquired a major shareholding in Brugal & Co, the leading producer of golden rum in the Dominican Republic. This agreement diversifies the Group's drinks portfolio outside of Scotch whisky for the first time and gives it access to one of the fastest growing spirit categories globally.

In April 2010, the Group acquired the Cutty Sark brand from Berry Bros & Rudd, with whom it has enjoyed a long trading relationship.

The Robertson Trust

Edrington is a Scottish company and is controlled 100 per cent by The Robertson Trust. The Trust bears the family name of the three Robertson sisters who had inherited the many Scotch whisky interests founded and developed by their father and grandfather. Keen to ensure the on-going success of these interests, in 1961 they brought them together under The Edrington Group (named after a farm near their home) and established The Robertson Trust. www.therobertsontrust.org.uk

This charitable trust is funded to a considerable degree by dividend income from the Group and is charged with supporting a wide variety of charitable causes, largely in Scotland. Last year, the Trust gave £9.9 million to charities.

Some key dates

1865
William A. Robertson begins business in Glasgow.
1860
Robertson & Baxter founded.
1879
Clyde Bonding Company Ltd founded.
1884
The Clyde Cooperage Company Ltd. founded.
1885
The North British Distillery Company Ltd. founded.
1887
The Highland Distilleries Company plc founded.
1936
Robertson & Baxter supplies first Cutty Sark blend.
1961
Edrington Holdings Ltd established.
1967
The Clyde Cooperage becomes part of the Group.
1970
Highland Distilleries acquires Matthew Gloag & Son Ltd.
1993
Robertson & Baxter acquires a 50% interest in The North British Distillery.
1996
Robertson & Baxter, Clyde Bonding Company and The Clyde Cooperage Company re-structured and renamed the Group.
1998
Cutty Sark International, a joint venture with Berry Brothers & Rudd, formed.
1999
The Group acquires Highland Distillers plc.
2001
The Group's head office moves from West Nile Street to Great Western Road, Glasgow.
2002
Edrington signs agreement with Hite Group to supply Lancelot range to south Korea.
2003
The Macallan becomes first Scotch whisky to open office in China.
2004
Edrington named "best private company of the year" in Scotland in Scottish plc Awards.
2005
Highland Park 18 year old single malt named "best spirit in world" by F. Paul Pacult, Spirits Journal.
2008
Edrington acquires majority stake in Brugal Company, Dominican Republic.
2008
Edrington sells Glenglassaugh distillery.
2009
Edrington and Beam Global setup new sales and distribution alliance in 24 key international growth markets.
2010
Edrington buys Cutty Sark brand.
2010
Edrington sells The Glenrothes brand to BB & R
2010
Edrington named "outstanding private company" in Scotland plc awards