Media release: Fond farewell as tourist favourite, Betty, retires

A FRIENDLY face who has been greeting visitors to Speyside for more than 30 years has retired from The Glenlivet Visitor Centre.

Betty Munro, who first started work as a cleaner at the distillery in 1977, became a seasonal tour guide in 1986. Since then she has progressed to Visitor Centre Supervisor, and has welcomed thousands of tourists to Speyside over the years, becoming one of the best-known faces in the region.

Betty spent a total of 33 years working for distillery owners Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard.

She said: “I have seen many changes at the distillery over the years and have enjoyed it all. One of the highlights has definitely been the grand opening of the extension to The Glenlivet in June this year, to which we were honoured to welcome HRH The Prince of Wales.

“I feel privileged that in my job I’ve been able to meet people from all over the world and introduce so many visitors to the region and the whisky industry. I have also been fortunate to work with a wonderful team and I will miss them very much.”

A farewell dinner was held by Chivas Brothers in Betty’s honour. A special, three-course meal was planned for the party, however due to the recent extreme weather conditions in the highlands the caterers for the event were unable to make it, and guests ended up eating fish and chips from a local take-away instead!

Betty added: “A great time was had by all and we really enjoyed our fish and chips in the end. We had a good laugh about it and it is another fond memory I’ll take with me from my time at Chivas Brothers.”

Douglas Callander, heritage director for Chivas Brothers, added: “Betty has been a real asset to The Glenlivet Visitor Centre and she’ll be sorely missed. It has been a joy and a privilege to work with her and we wish her all the best in her retirement.”

ENDS

Notes for editors:

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010, Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information:

Jennifer Brophy – communications manager -Chivas Brothers – Telephone: 0141 531 2526 / 07795 953 908 – jennifer.brophy@chivas.com

Kaye Rawlings – Richmond Towers Communications – Telephone: 02073887421 – kaye@rt-com.com

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Contact: Kaye Rawlings

Email: kaye@rt-com.com