Glasstorm in Tain set to take on apprentice under trailblazing hook-up with The Macallan
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AN acclaimed Easter Ross-based glassblowing business is set to take on a new full-time apprentice thanks to a trailblazing new scheme.
Some of the unique, hand-crafted pieces created by Glasstorm in Tain have been seen by global audiences on television sets with others specially commissioned for high-end projects such as one-off decanters.
One of the UK’s leading specialists in hand-crafted, bespoke glass works, it has been announced as one of four recipient businesses which will benefit from The Macallan’s recently launched Artisan Apprenticeship Fund.
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The premium glass studio will receive funding awarded by The Macallan to enable the recruitment and training of a new, full-time apprentice.
Under the guidance of Glasstorm director, Brodie Nairn, with support from studio hot shop manager, Ronnie Nelson, the apprentice will be trained in all elements of bespoke glass work, from maintenance and use of key equipment to hand-eye coordination, mould production, glass refinement and artistry.
After completing a two-year hot glass apprenticeship, the trainee will gain the practical skills, experience and confidence required to work as a glassblowing assistant, as well as paving the way to progress in their career and ultimately hold the position of an early entry glassblower.
The apprentice will also have the opportunity to work towards a formal qualification, with guidance and support from Skills Development Scotland.
Glasstorm has been allocated a £50,000 portion of £260,000 funding from The Macallan Artisan Apprenticeship Fund.
Founded in 2005, Glasstorm specialises in crafting bespoke vessels and forms for the drinks industry, glass design and artwork as well as designer lifestyle works.
Brodie Nairn, director at Glasstorm, said: “Based in the Highlands of Scotland we find it impossible to bring glassblowers with experience into our business. To be able to give the time and energy to an apprentice program where a local person can be brought on to learn the age-old craft of hot glassblowing is so exciting, and we now have the studio infrastructure to support and train internally.
“Glassblowing is a craft that requires patience, good teaching, and support from the beginning. It takes many years to get even the basics done well, studios like ours would traditionally employ from specialist training centres and have an assistant stay for a year before they move on to gain experience elsewhere and travel.
"The failings of this are that no-one embeds themselves into the community or stays longer making a big gap in the skill sets available to the studio and limiting investment in time for individuals that ultimately move on within a year. With the creation of our apprenticeship position, we’re proud to see a small step towards what we hope will be wider progress."
The Artisan Apprenticeship Fund is delivered through The Macallan Artisan Collective, a creative forum for like-minded master makers to network, exchange ideas, innovate and collaborate via live gatherings and digital events. Established in 2021, it champions and celebrates the artisans, their philosophies, knowledge and skills as well as the critical role they play in local and global economies.
In the same year, The Macallan created the Artisan Apprenticeship Fund in recognition of the need to preserve and safeguard legacy crafts, trades, skills, and values to support employment for generations to come.
Scottish businesses Alexander Manufacturing and Powderhall Bronze, alongside London-based Shepherds Bookbinders, will also benefit from a share of funds to support and perpetuate key generational skills and crafts.
Proceeds for the fund have been generated primarily through the auction of The Reach 81 Years Old single malt, the oldest whisky ever released in the history of The Macallan.
A one-of-a-kind special edition of this release, crafted from a single, sherry seasoned oak cask, was sold at Sotheby’s London in October. The auction lot featured an exclusive bottle of The Macallan The Reach, encased in a display cabinet lined in red leather. This reflects the red thread that has run through the brand since it was founded almost 200 years ago, rather than the traditional cream leather which features on the original whisky release.
Elizabeth McMillan, Head of Insight & Sustainability at The Macallan, said: “At The Macallan, we thrive as a local brand with a global presence because of the remarkable communities and networks with whom we enjoy strong interdependent relationships built on shared value creation. Glasstorm shares our dedication to craftsmanship and quality, and we are proud to play a part in helping to train and guide the next generation of artisans within this established business.
“The Macallan holds a deep affinity with all luxury artisans and master makers. Dedication to creativity, craftsmanship, innovation and collaboration are a key part of our brand DNA, and through The Macallan Artisan Collective and Artisan Apprenticeship Fund, we aim to establish a legacy of positive action by fostering meaningful progress for our key communities through partnerships, collaborations, and fundraising. Preserving and safeguarding legacy crafts, trades, skills, and values is an essential part of this, to help support employment for generations to come.”
For further information about The Macallan Artisan Collective and The Macallan Artisan Apprenticeship Fund, visit The Macallan Positive Society and Community Initiatives.
For further information about Glasstorm, visit http://www.glasstorm.com.
