WANTED! Mouser-in-Chief for the spiritual home of Scotch whisky.

As Lindores Abbey Distillery in Fife prepares to open its doors to the public this summer, with a visitor centre and working distillery on the site of the first recorded distillation of Scotch whisky in 1494, the founders – Helen and Drew McKenzie Smith – are looking to make a crucial appointment. Lindores Abbey is on the lookout for a distillery cat.

While Downing Street has relied on Larry the cat to be Chief Mouser to the Cabinet, the Lindores Abbey Distillery feline will play a critical role around the preserved ruins of the Abbey, which date back to 1191, and around the barley stores of the new whisky warehouses, as grain is transported from the fields surrounding the distillery to produce Lindores Abbey whisky.

These are big paws to fill, as Lindores Abbey’s history is one of hosting visitors of great significance to Scotland’s heritage, ranging from Abbey founder David, Prince of Scotland; King Edward I; John Knox; the 1st Duke of Rothesay and William Wallace. The cat must be friendly, hardworking and diligent and will be rewarded with a comfortable home and all the mice he/she can eat. Toffee the cat, who is easing into a well-earned retirement amid the tranquil Abbey ruins at Lindores, was unavailable for comment.

Helen McKenzie Smith, co-founder of Lindores Abbey Distillery, said:

“As the great lost distilling traditions of the monks of Lindores Abbey are revived in 2017, we will be making some key appointments to ensure that our vision for the horticulture, preservation, tourism and whisky distillation is brought to life with expertise and passion. A distillery cat is always at the heart of any whisky company, and as our visitor centre and warehouses open later this year, we hope to give a special cat a home to roam on our beautiful single estate here in Fife.

“We are also currently advertising for a Distillery Manager position, for the right person to join us in bringing Scotch whisky distillation back to its spiritual home at Lindores Abbey. Friar John Corr made the first recorded whisky in Scotland for King James IV on this very spot in 1494, and we are looking for a special individual – diligent and friendly – to become part of our team at this very exciting new distillery and visitor centre for Scotland. Additional outgoing and enthusiastic applicants are also being sought to fill roles within the sales, office and visitor centre teams.”