Uisge-beatha and Island Spirit: A Conversation with Iain Ralston
A Muileach’s Welcome: Iain Ralston and Tobermory Distillery
If you’ve ever visited Tobermory Distillery, there’s a good chance you’ve met Iain Ralston — the friendly face guiding you through the heart of the distillery. As a tour guide, Iain’s role goes beyond simply showing visitors around; he’s all about engagement, entertainment, and education. “It’s so important to me that everyone feels welcomed,” he says. “I want visitors and whisky enthusiasts to leave with a great experience and a bit more knowledge about whisky, our distillery, and the culture and heritage of Mull.”
Iain’s connection to Tobermory runs deep. A native Muileach, he started working seasonally at the distillery back in 2021, fitting shifts in between university semesters. “Being from Mull and partial to a dram, it was quite natural to start here,” he laughs. He keeps coming back for the people as much as the whisky: “The team here is fantastic, whether in the shop or on the production floor.”
When asked what dram would best describe his personality, Iain doesn’t hesitate. “It’s got to be the Ledaig Sinclair Series,” he says. “The smokiness of the Ledaig spirit balanced with the Rioja casking makes it fruity and unique, with a traditional backdrop — much like me.”
Iain is passionate about breaking common whisky misconceptions too. “People often think older whiskies are automatically better,” he explains. “With age comes price, but some of the best whiskies are under 12 years old. Everyone’s taste is different, and that’s what makes it fun.”
Looking at the industry more broadly, he has ideas for how it could evolve. “I’d love to see Gàidhlig culture represented more — not just as a marketing tool, but as part of the visitor experience,” he says. “I want people to leave Scotland with an understanding of the language and culture that gave whisky its name — uisge-beatha!”
Though his heart is firmly in the distillery, Iain is curious about other roles he might explore in the industry, particularly communications, media, or ambassadorial work. “I think I could promote what we do here with authenticity and passion,” he says.
Outside of whisky, Iain has other interests and future plans. He hopes to return to the sports sector long term, though he admits he’d happily find a way to balance both passions. And if you’re ever on Mull, he has some personal recommendations: “Other than my own beautiful island home, I’d say visit the other islands, especially Staffa and Lunga. The views and wildlife are incredible — and yes, that includes puffins!”
And finally, the all-important question: desert island whisky. Iain pauses before deciding. “It’s a tough call between Kilchoman Sanaig, anything Ardnamurchan, and Ledaig 18,” he says. “In the end, I’ll stay loyal to Mull and take my Ledaig with me.”
Whether he’s guiding visitors, sharing stories, or simply enjoying a dram, Iain Ralston embodies the spirit of Tobermory — warm, welcoming, and unmistakably Muileach.
