Lillian MacArthur honoured for 50 years at Bunnahabhain Distillery
Lillian MacArthur, Bunnahabhain distillery’s long-serving administrator, has been recognised as a Keeper of the Quaich and honoured on her 50th anniversary at the Islay distillery.
After five decades at Bunnahabhain, distillery administrator Lillian MacArthur (affectionately known as ‘General MacArthur’) has been honoured for her services to the iconic Islay distillery.
Having started at the distillery office back in 1975, MacArthur’s career has spanned the entire site, from supporting production to hand bottling, and signing the distillery’s first ever Fèis Ìle releases.
Known for her meticulous record keeping across handwritten ledgers and digital systems, she’s overseen warehousing, customs and day-to-day logistics, playing witness to the changing tides of the distillery which was founded in 1881.
Described as Bunnahabhain’s ‘heart, soul, and backbone’, her role has made her the distillery’s very own living archive and historian - what MacArthur doesn’t know about the brand, isn’t worth knowing.
She’s been a constant in the face of change, witnessed downturns in the whisky industry more than once, and celebrated the highs including the launch of the distillery’s first single malt in 1979.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky to spend my whole working life at Bunnahabhain and have seen it all,” she told DRAM Scotland. “So much has changed, whilst at the same time, so much has stayed the same. The people here are like family, and the distillery has always felt like home. I have a real loyalty to the Bunnahabhain and I am incredibly proud to be part of its heritage.”
In recognition of her contributions not just to Bunnahabhain, but the history of Islay whisky, this October MacArthur was inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich.
She has also had Spirit Still 1 named after her - Lillian’s Still - as well as a limited edition whisky released in her honour, Lillian’s Legacy, made up of five casks to reflect her five decades of service (which sold out in record time).
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