Tobermory Distillery is the Isle of Mull’s only whisky distillery. Founded in 1798, and today owned by Distell International Ltd., a subsidiary of the South African Distell Group.
The challenge
James Ramsay was selected to deliver the boiler upgrade for Tobermory based on our strong, longstanding relationship with Distell International having installed new steam boilers at both Deanston (Doune) and Bunnahabhain (Islay) distilleries during the past 20 years, as well as providing on-going repair and maintenance services.
Due to the remote island location, this project came with many logistical challenges – transporting equipment, crane breakdowns, ferries, supply chain problems, accommodation issues…as well as the good, old Scottish weather!
Our solution
Despite the adversity, the project was delivered on time and on budget.
The old boiler was replaced with a larger, more resilient oil-fired Cochran ST36 6000kg/hr boiler, along with associated infrastructure including a hot well tank and support frame which we manufactured offsite at our Glasgow facility, then shipped to Tobermory.
The engineering work involved a really good understanding of the project requirements and strong attention to detail to ensure the equipment that was manufactured offsite was going to fit on arrival at the distillery.
Impact
To maintain manufacturing continuity, we’re often required to complete these projects in a live operating environment – connecting to existing pipework, tanks and vessels while the distillery operates on a standby boiler. We’re well practiced at delivering this as a full turnkey package to offer a practical solution that ensures business as usual.
Angus Colquhoun, Technical and Compliance Manager at Distell International, said: “James Ramsay was Cochran’s installation partner of choice for this project, which we were very pleased with, due to the long-standing relationship between our companies. From the first site visit to completion of commissioning, James Ramsay delivered a first class, professional service.”
