His Majesty The King was in Scotland yesterday for a reception at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, where he was treated to a sample of Rosebank Whisky’s 31 Year Old Single Malt.
The King, accompanied by the First Minister of Scotland John Swinney MSP, was hosting a reception for the Scottish Investment Forum, which brought together representatives from key industries – the whisky sector, healthcare and AI – to showcase Scottish entrepreneurialism.
In attendance were representatives of family-owned firm Ian Macleod Distillers, including managing director and chairman Leonard Russell, head of international business development Tom Russell; and the brand director of Rosebank, and its sister brand Glengoyne, Katy Muggeridge.
In the spotlight was that Rosebank 31 Year Old Single Malt, recently judged the ‘best whisky in the world’ at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Distilled before Rosebank’s closure in 1993 and left undisturbed in refill casks for over three decades, the distillery’s heritage bottlings are now priming interest in the revived brand, as it waits for its newly created spirit to mature.
Leonard Russell said: “We are honoured to have met His Majesty and to have been able to present him with Rosebank Whisky which, fittingly, is a jewel in our crown.
“The resurgence of the distillery has been important to the town of Falkirk, and we look forward keenly to a time when we can release our newly distilled Rosebank Whiskies.
HM The King flanked, left, by Ian Macleod Distillers’ Katy Muggeridge, Tom Russell, Leonard Russell, and right, First Minister John Swinney and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes
Russell concluded: “We are so proud that King Charles and the First Minister have been able to share this exceptional whisky with us today.”
Founded in Falkirk in 1840, Rosebank Distillery was closed for three decades. From a derelict state, it was revived by Ian Macleod Distillers and, following the completion of a restoration which earned it architectural awards, the distillery resumed production on 18 July 2023 and re-opened its doors to visitors nearly a year later, in June 2024.
