World Whisky Day falls this weekend on May 16th and with a number of whisky enthusiasts amongst our staff, we were keen to find an excuse to participate! In recent years, we have had the privilege of working on several distillery-based projects, and we are very excited to have several new potential projects in the pipeline for this sector. Since we can’t yet reveal any specific details of these new projects, we invited our Director Gordon McLintock to pour himself a ‘wee dram’ and reflect on Doig+Smith’s involvement in the wonderful world of whisky to date…
Back in 2014 we supported Kingsbarns Company of Distillers to achieve their dream of transforming a derelict Georgian farm steading into a fully functional distillery complete with café, gift shop and visitor centre.
The project was split into three distinct contracts, with Doig+Smith providing full Cost Management Services on each one. Our team played a key role in the two-stage procurement process, providing detailed negotiation for the second stage tender and assisting in the main contractor’s trade package procurement.
The following year we were appointed by the Isle of Arran Distillery to assist in the delivery of the VIP Lounge at Lochranza, a new build project designed to enhance the existing distillery with a space for VIP visitors and investors, as well as for hosting specialist tours.
Doig+Smith were involved in this venture from the very beginning, providing the client with detailed contract administration and quantity surveying services. To kickstart things, we helped with the development of the project brief then negotiated works with the contractor.
Throughout the entire project we acted as the principle interface between the client, design team and the principle contractor, addressing all pertinent issues along the way. We were delighted with the final outcome of the VIP Lounge and look forward to visiting again soon.
Just last year, we wrapped up another distillery project with our client Hunter Laing, working on the development of the brand new Ardnahoe Distillery in Islay. Set in the most picturesque location, Ardnahoe is a modern distillery with a visitor centre, restaurant and daily tours on offer, catering to tourists and locals alike.
Doig+Smith provided Quantity Surveying services from inception through to completion on this new build project. The works were procured on a package by package basis and this required close management to ensure that were no gaps between packages or contractor interfaces and responsibilities.Taking on the role of funding montior, we provided the funder with detailed monthly reports and forecasts covering the complete project expenditure, rather than the construction works solely.
Being involved in these distillery projects offered a unique opportunity to combine personal and professional passions, and I thoroughly enjoyed each experience. I look forward to the prospect of Doig+Smith being involved in other projects of this nature later in the year.
My colleagues and I celebrated the occasion with a ‘Virtual Whisky Tasting’ event via Microsoft Teams.
A great time was had by all, with various blends discussed and consumed including Lagavulin, Glenfiddich, Glendronach Revival, Lagavulin, Talisker Skye, Glengoyne, Jura Journey, Dalmore Valour, Glenkinckie, Glenmorangie and The Nector D’or.
Cheers to World Whisky Day 2020!