My Life at Beinn an Tuirc by Katie Cook
Hi! I’m Katie born and raised on the Isle of Lismore, a tiny island on the west coast of Scotland in the inner Hebrides, currently living between Carradale and Glasgow, where I’m studying psychology.
I started working at Beinn an Tuirc Distillers in June 2024, after what can only be described as a chaotic yet lovely turn of events. I’d met my partner in 2023 and started visiting Carradale at the beginning of 2024. With my second year at uni wrapping up, I was all set to head back to Lismore for the summer, and find some work, to save for my return to uni later that year.
Then, just as I was packing up to head back to Lismore, I spotted a job post on Facebook from Beinn an Tuirc. A beautiful estate, gin, coffee, and cake, I mean what’s not to love.
At the end of that week, I headed down from Glasgow to meet up with the office team for a chat — accompanied by the friendly dogs, Crumble and Magnus. By the following month, I’d packed up and moved to Carradale for five months. I was put to work almost straight away and have been part of the lovely team ever since.
Fast forward a year, and I’m back for round two of summer madness. These days, you’ll find me serving in the shop, plating up cakes in the café (and maybe sampling one or two), helping out in the food van, packing orders, or lending a hand at private functions and events. Basically, I’m never too far away!
Working here is never boring. One minute you’re chatting about gin botanicals, the next you’re knee-deep in coffee orders in the bustling café. But the best part? The people. The team are genuinely lovely, the customers are usually relaxed and happy, often in full holiday mode, and there’s always time for a good blether, which is lucky because anyone who knows me knows that’s what I do best!
Beinn an Tuirc is more than just a distillery, it’s a wee slice of something special. Between the amazing gin, stunning scenery, the sustainability ethos, and the cafés strong cake game, it’s a brilliant place to work. I’ve learned lots, met some lovely people, and I’m genuinely chuffed to be back for another summer.
So, if you’re ever passing through, do pop in for a visit. Whether you’re here for a gin tasting, a slice of cake, or just a good chat, you’ll find a friendly face ready to welcome you. Looking forward to seeing you at Beinn an Tuirc!
