Glenmorangie distillery worker from Tain gets co-star role opposite icon Harrison Ford

THE ingredients that make an Easter Ross whisky the go-to dram for millions around the world has been a closely guarded secret since the company was founded in 1843.

And a visit last year to the Tain distillery by an icon instantly recognisable around the world was also being kept carefully under wraps - until now.

The launch of a high-profile new advertising campaign was heavily rumoured back in September when Harrison Ford was spotted in Easter Ross - even popping in to a local pub for Sunday lunch.

The actor recognisable from films ranging from franchises such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones has been unveiled as the new face of the dram and those in the know from the word go are now finally free to share bragging rights.

Amongst them is warehouseman Alan Duff Jr who came face to face with the icon for one in a series of tongue-in-cheek videos released to coincide with the campaign.

In one episode lasting almost three minutes, he features in a mistaken identity skit as Ford turns up to discuss the campaign.

It turns out he should have been looking for ‘Alan from marketing’.

“Is that Harrison Ford?” asks one of Alan’s co-workers in surprise as the star walks into the warehouse.

Ford explains to a bemused Alan that he’s “more fire and cosy chair” than action man running through rivers and over mountains.

He is then schooled on how to pronounce ‘Glenmorangie’ (it rhymes with ‘orangey’), a stumbling block for many a visitor and a lesson well-drilled by tour guides at the site near Tain.

As Ford outlines his idea for the campaign, he’s politely told: “That’s great but I think you’ve got the wrong Alan.

“It’s Alan from marketing you’re looking for. I’m Alan in the warehouse. I deal with the casks and the forklifts.”

And then there’s a nice little twist as he’s introduced to “the car that the team have got for you…”

Production operator Alan is credited as one of the ‘supporting cast’ in the campaign, “at the heart of crafting the distillery’s exceptional whisky”.

Alan had a surreal and unforgettable experience acting opposite Ford.

Reflecting on the moment, Alan said: “I was very proud to be chosen to play opposite Harrison. You knew you were in the presence of someone so successful, but he made us all feel so comfortable and gave me the advice to just be myself on screen.”

Alan’s natural humour and ease added authenticity to the moment, creating a memorable comedic exchange in the distillery warehouse where he corrected Ford’s pronunciation.

He continued: “Filming the scene itself was a lot of fun, but totally surreal. He is such a good actor; I was in awe watching him and sometimes didn’t know when he was in or out of character.

“He kept me on my toes when he went off script but gave me the space to wing it and bounce off him, so much so I forgot the cameras were there.”

Working with Harrison Ford on a global production was an unexpected and thrilling opportunity for maintenance technician Michael Fernie. Selected to appear in the warehouse scene alongside colleagues Alan Duff Jnr and Graham Nicol, Michael felt excited to be chosen for such a unique experience.

“Working with Harrison Ford is something I never thought I’d do, and I was honoured to be involved,” he said. “It was a great day that brought the distillery together, and it feels amazing to be part of something that showcases our local community but will be watched worldwide.”

The day was a high point for Michael, who shared that the distillery has felt a bit quieter since the cameras stopped rolling!

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.