Unsung Hero – 'I didn't realise they were talking about me'

UNSUSPECTING Unsung Hero of the Year Keith Brian was "over the moon" at his award from the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Keith was "gobsmacked" when it became clear he was the recipient and admitted he had no clue he had been chosen.

The former Craigellachie Distillery manager was delighted with the accolade bestowed at the Touch of Tartan opening dinner on Wednesday night.

"My boss told me it would be best to prepare some kind of speech in case I had to say something because Bacardi has been a platinum partner of the whisky festival for a number of years.

"I was sat there reciting my speech and I missed the first part of my award. The speaker was quite well through before I realised he was speaking about me."

Keith started at Glenfarclas in 2003 and has worked his way up the ranks, through many different roles, and is now manager at Royal Brackla on the Cawdor Estate near Nairn.

"I have been 20 years in the industry and I believe doing all the jobs on the way to the manager's roles has stood me in good stead," he said.

"I still count my blessing every day that I am doing the job that I am doing and the company I am doing it for. I consider myself very lucky."

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