Isla Cooperage was established in 1989 by Richard Proctor and was acquired by the TFF Group in 2009, evolving with Ricky still at the helm, from mainly repairing the casks used in whisky production - to include a decharring and recharring service to rejuvenate the cask to extend its lifespan; to sourcing casks from different parts of the world and distributing them to the distillers; to sourcing casks which have reached the end of their maturation lives selling them on to make garden features while the shavings are used for smoking fish.
Employing 13 coopers who have served a four year apprenticeship there is only a small staff outwith these coopers who help with the smooth running of the operation including its own small lorry to transport casks if required. Two apprentices at any one time are trained by a journeyman to continue the skill which has remained unchanged for hundreds of years.