Brothers split Douglas Laing & Co whisky business

WHISKY blender and bottler Douglas Laing & Co is splitting into two businesses after its owners, brothers Fred and Stewart Laing, decided to go their separate ways.

Fred will keep the Douglas Laing & Co name along with brands including Big Peat, Director’s Cut and King of Scots, while Stewart launches Hunter Laing & Co, which will own the Premier Bond bottling plant in East Kilbride and labels such as House Of Peers, John Player Special and Sovereign Single Grain.

Both firms are bringing on board the next generation of their families, with Cara Laing joining her father, Fred – the two are pictured, above – as head of brands marketing at Douglas Laing & Co. Cara previously worked at rivals Morrison Bowmore Distillers and Whyte & Mackay. Meanwhile, Stewart’s two sons – Andrew and Scott – are joining Hunter Laing & Co.

In a joint statement, Fred and Stewart said: “The Scotch whisky industry is in great shape at the moment and this presents each of us with the perfect opportunity to diversify and explore different projects.”