The Scottish whisky business auctioned a one-of-a-kind bottle of its oldest single malt at Sotheby’s, which generated £260,000 in proceeds for the fund. 

Shepherds Bookbinders has been awarded £60,000 to back a three-year apprenticeship encompassing bookbinding, box making, paper repair, gilding and book design. 

The apprentice, who did not wish to be named publicly, is an ex-bomb disposal specialist who connected with Shepherds through the Bound by Veterans charity co-founded by its late managing director Rob Shepherd. 

Shepherds has operations in central London and in Wiltshire. Expert bookbinder Jonathan Powell will oversee the apprentice at the its Wiltshire barn workshop. 

Managing director Alison Strachan commented: “The traditional bookbinding skills we require of our bookbinders are wide-ranging and complex, and this funding will allow us to fully train a young person in all aspects of the craft.  

“The Artisan Apprenticeship Fund is a fantastic initiative, and we are so grateful to The Macallan for helping us to ensure these skills will continue to thrive.”

The fund was set up in 2021 and aims to “cherish, preserve and perpetuate legacy crafts, trades, skills and values, ensuring employment for generations to come”.

Elizabeth McMillan, head of insight and sustainability at The Macallan, said the business had “a deep affinity with all luxury artisans and master makers”.  

“At The Macallan, we thrive as a local brand with a global presence because of the remarkable communities and networks with whom we enjoy strong interdependent relationships built on shared value creation. 

“Shepherds Bookbinders shares our dedication to craftsmanship and quality, and we are proud to play a part in helping to train and guide the next generation of artisans within this established business.”

Shepherds Bookbinders encompasses the Sangorski & Sutcliffe and Zaehnsdorf businesses, incorporated in 1901 and 1842 respectively.