Tomatin distillery unveils new mural in partnership with Inverness students inspired by life in the Highlands
The people, landscape and heritage of a Highland distillery have been brought to life in an eye-catching mural created by students at an Inverness school.
The distiller, Tomatin, linked up with students from Millburn Academy to create the art work.
Spanning 5m in length, the mural also pays tribute to Tomatin’s current longest-serving employee, Richard Noble, who has worked at the distillery for five decades this year.
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The project, delivered in collaboration with Developing the Young Workforce Inverness and Central Highlands (DYWICH), aims to showcase the range of roles open to young people in the Highlands and to encourage them to consider a career in the local area.
Students were immersed in Tomatin’s history before creating mood boards representing the elements they felt were most central to the Tomatin way of life - from heritage, craftsmanship and production to the rolling hills, barley fields and River Findhorn which flows under the Tomatin viaduct.
Mural artist Marc Delaye was commissioned to work with the students to bring the piece of art to life as a lasting moment in the distillery’s history which dates back to 1897.
The inclusion of long-serving employee Richard Noble nods to the vital role which people have played during the long history of the distillery.
As part of the project, the 76 third-year students also explored careers in a company like Tomatin, guided by teachers and representatives from Tomatin and DYWICH.
They looked at brand marketing, commercial, supply chain, science, tourism, hospitality and estate management to encourage them to consider opportunities on their doorstep.
This latest local partnership further enhances the distillery’s campaign, To What Matters, which encourages Tomatin audiences to consider what matters most in life.
Steven Grant, human resources manager at Tomatin, said with many employees, past and present, having roots in Millburn Academy, the partnership had a special significance.
“Through this initiative, we not only aim to inspire and engage the next generation of talent but also celebrate the timeless attraction of the Highland way of life,” he said.
“The mural represents our To What Matters ethos, which nods to the important things that matter in life, and we believe that involving students in projects like this not only enriches their learning experiences but fosters a deeper connection to their local area and understanding of job opportunities within their community.”
Head warehouseman Richard Noble said: “Working at Tomatin is more than a job, it’s a whole way of life.
“I live in the village of Tomatin with my wife, it’s where we raised our daughters, and when I am not at the distillery, I’m usually out in the local countryside hill walking or fishing.
“Throughout my time working at Tomatin, I have seen many changes across the distillery.
“However, what has not changed is the dedication and hard work of our team, and our deeply-rooted connection to Tomatin.
“I am looking forward to seeing the young people’s portrayal of Tomatin come to life.”
Nel Rodger, DYWICH school co-ordinator for Millburn Academy, was pleased the young people involved had got so much out of the experience, adding: “It has helped them learn about the vast array of skills and career opportunities within this industry and strengthen the school’s relationship with such a prominent business in the area,
“We want to encourage these students to think about their futures and help them to build confidence, while also contributing to the lasting legacy of Tomatin Distillery.
“I’m looking forward to continuing this partnership with Tomatin and providing many more learning opportunities for the young people at Millburn Academy.”
