Stephen Webster has been appointed Chairman of Isle of Barra Distillers as the opening of the Hebridean island’s first single malt distillery draws closer.
Webster joins Michael Morrison, now CEO and co-founder of Isle of Barra Distillers and Katie Morrison, fellow director and distillery manager, on the board of the family distillery after 35 years working in financial services. Webster previously held the role of Operations Director, and then Managing Director for Bank of Scotland Investment Management and Chief Executive for Thorntons Investment Management Ltd. Webster also holds the role of Non-Executive Commissioner on the board of the Crofting Commission.
Speaking about his new role as Chairman, Stephen Webster commented:
“It is an exciting time for Isle of Barra Distillers and I’m looking forward to supporting this incredible business on the next stage of its journey. My wife and her family are from the Isle of Barra so I’m no stranger to the island and have been closely following co-founders, Michael and Katie, as they not only created a multi-award-winning spirits range but also became a vital part of the island’s economy.
“The creation of the distillery will represent the single biggest capital investment in the island and the impact on the community will be profound for generations to come. Barra is bucking the trend of population decline in the Hebrides with 42 births on the island in the last two years. That generation will have more opportunity to stay, live and work on the island with projects like this and I’m incredibly grateful and humbled to be able to play a part in it.”
Michael Morrison added:
“We’ve been fortunate to see continued growth for Isle of Barra Distillers despite the difficulties seen within the spirits sector. In addition to the increased production levels, we also made a number of new hires, including a financial controller and head of UK sales as we continue to focus on growth and financial safeguarding for the business. Stephen’s experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business.”
Michael and Katie Morrison remain the majority stakeholders. Isle of Barra Distillers recently announced strong growth figures for 2025 with a 24% increase in production volumes year-on-year, supported by 13.52% revenue growth.
Founded in 2017 by Katie and Michael Morrison, the husband and wife Barra natives wanted to create a future for their family and generations to come and, in doing so, founded Scotland’s most westerly distillery.
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Isle of Barra Distillers produces Isle of Barra Gin, Hebridean Vodka and Island Dark Rum from Castlebay on Barra. Isle of Barra Gin is distilled using locally hand-harvested Carrageen seaweed sourced sustainably from the shores surrounding the distillery’s island home.
Website: https://isleofbarradistillers.com/
