Top independent wine and spirits wholesaler Inverarity Morton is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year – and doing it in style, with the debut of its very own tartan.
Created in partnership with Scottish designer Siobhan Mackenzie, the fabric collaboration is said to merge Inverarity Morton’s ‘deep-rooted heritage with a contemporary vision, embodying a shared spirit of craftsmanship and Scottish design tradition’.
Founded in 1945 in Glasgow by William Morton, the company’s independent spirit was shaped by industry veteran Sandy Bulloch, who acquired the business in 1959, sold it in 1974, then re-acquired it in 1976.
Under Bulloch’s leadership, the company merged with three other wholesalers – blenders John Grant; and agencies Classic Wines and A Bulloch.
That growth continued with the 2011 acquisition of Inverarity Vaults, prompting a rebrand to Inverarity Morton, followed by the 2013 acquisition of Forth Wines, establishing the business as Scotland’s largest independent drinks supplier.
Central to Inverarity Morton’s ongoing success is Stephen Russell, who has had a remarkable 50-year involvement with the company, including 20 years as its managing director. He is credited as having been instrumental in navigating periods of significant change and growth.
With continual backing from family shareholders, Russell’s leadership is said to have ‘nurtured a culture of integrity, reliability and personal service’ while embracing sustainability and forward-thinking practices.
“The bespoke tartan is a symbol of where we’ve come from and where we’re going,” said Russell. “It represents our heritage, but also our commitment to modernity and sustainability as we look ahead to the next 80 years.”
Award-winning designer Mackenzie, who was behind the official 2026 Commonwealth tartan, created the bespoke tartan to reflect Inverarity Morton’s signature colours in a contemporary pattern.
The tartan will now feature across a limited collection of pieces and anniversary events throughout the year, marking a proud moment in the company’s ongoing story as it continues to serve bars, restaurants, hotels and independent specialist retailers across Scotland and beyond.
