Rosebank Distillery joins a reception with His Majesty and First Minister of Scotland

The King yesterday (19 January 2026), accompanied by the First Minister of Scotland John Swinney MSP, hosted a reception to mark the Scottish Investment Forum.

Pictured left to right: Leonard Russell, HM The King, The First Minister, John Swinney MSP and Kate Forbes MSP, Deputy First Minister of Scotland, enjoying a dram of Rosebank Whisky. Photo Credit – PA Images / Alamy

The King and the First Minister were joined at The Palace of Holyroodhouse by representatives of Ian Macleod Distillers, the family-owned firm which owns Rosebank Whisky, Leonard Russell, Managing Director & Chairman; Tom Russell, Head of International Business Development; and Katy Muggeridge, Brand Director for Rosebank Whisky and sister brand, Glengoyne Whisky.

The reception brought together representatives from key industries - the whisky sector, healthcare and AI - to showcase Scottish entrepreneurialism and business.

Rosebank 31 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky was showcased. This is the whisky that was judged the best whisky in the world at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, widely regarded as the world’s top whisky accolade. 

Leonard Russell said: “We are honoured to have met His Majesty and to have been able to present him with Rosebank Whisky which, fittingly, is a jewel in our crown. Rosebank Whiskies were distilled before the distillery’s closure in 1993 and left undisturbed in refill casks for over three decades. The resurgence of the distillery has been important to the town of Falkirk, and we look forward keenly to a time when we can release our newly distilled Rosebank Whiskies. We are so proud that King Charles and the First Minister have been able to share this exceptional whisky with us today.”

Pictured left to right: Katy Muggeridge, Tom Russell, Leonard Russell, HM The King, The First Minister, John Swinney MSP and Kate Forbes MSP, Deputy First Minister of Scotland.

A rare whisky from a silent era

Founded in Falkirk in 1840, Rosebank Distillery was closed for three decades. It was discovered in a derelict state and revived by Ian Macleod Distillers and, following the completion of a meticulous restoration which has garnered architectural awards, the distillery resumed production on 18 July 2023 and re-opened its doors to visitors nearly a year later, in June 2024. 

Pictured: Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk

For more about Rosebank 31 Year Old Whisky, visit:

Rosebank | 31 Year Old Legacy Release Two | Lowland Single Malt | Rare Collector’s Whisky - Rosebank