My first thought was – there's a distillery in Annan? And my second thought was – whisky? I thought I'd give it a chance and see what it was like because there's a lot of heritage when it comes to whisky. And I've now been here three-and-a-half years and I've not looked back.
That is how Zoey Darnbrough describes her leap into the whisky industry, a move that has recently earned the 26-year-old a nomination for “rising star” recognition at the South of Scotland Thistle Awards. Now working as a group tourism and events co-ordinator at Annandale Distillery near Annan, the Dumfries native transitioned from hospital kitchens to the heritage space.
From Hospital Kitchens to Dumfries and Galloway Heritage
Zoey Darnbrough initially did not know a whisky distillery existed near her hometown in southern Scotland. After completing school, she studied heritage and tourism in Stirling before returning to Dumfries and Galloway for work.
Her early career path included working in the kitchens at Dumfries Infirmary after she missed out on desired exam results. When a job opening appeared at Annandale Distillery, she decided to apply.
Reviving a Historic Site at Annandale Distillery
Annandale Distillery originally shut down in 1919 before reopening 90 years later. Darnbrough began her tenure at the site as a tour guide before advancing to her current role as group tourism and events co-ordinator. Having spent three and a half years at the facility, she has embraced the rich heritage surrounding the spirit.
Challenging Male-Dominated Industry Perceptions
Darnbrough, who attended St Joseph’s College in Dumfries, now focuses on shifting attitudes within a male-dominated industry. While acknowledging that some people assume she lacks the knowledge of older, male counterparts, she notes that proper preparation prevents such encounters from unsettling her.
It has been tricky, I’m not going to lie. But I always think that if you prepare yourself well, those types of questions cannot faze you. I’ve been so fortunate that all my experiences have been mostly pleasant and so I have not really felt it, but I do understand the struggles that other people face. We just need to start changing people’s opinions one woman at a time.
Zoey Darnbrough, group tourism and events co-ordinator
Retaining Young Talent in the South of Scotland
Advocating for her home region, Darnbrough points to relative property costs compared with city prices as an advantage for young adults. She believes the south of Scotland holds vast potential in terms of scenery, castles, accommodation, and attractions, describing the area as sharing the offerings of the Highlands within a quieter setting.
To retain young talent, she advocates for visiting local schools to explain career paths in heritage and tourism, hoping to stay in Dumfries and Galloway for the foreseeable future.
