ONE OF the UK’s leading suppliers of grain and cereals to the whisky and distilling industries, Alexander Inglis and Son, has gone into administration.

Tom MacLennan and Chad Griffin, partners with business advisory firm FRP, have been appointed as joint administrators of the company, confirmed in a statement issued as The Scottish Farmer went to press.

"Founded in 1950, Alexander Inglis and Son is a long-established grain and agricultural trading business that supplies cereal, barley, seed and fertiliser principally to a wide range of customers in the whisky, malting and distilling sectors," said the statement.

"The business operates five grain stores across East Scotland and the Borders area, has a turnover of around £100m and employs 40 staff.

"The business has been suffering from weaker trading in recent months following a poor harvest in 2020 and a contraction in demand stemming from the Covid pandemic. Additionally, it had continued to be impacted by legacy losses on dealings with the failed Philip Wilson Group.

"The board determined that the best course of action was to wind the business down to maximise value to creditors," said the statement. "The business wind down will now involve confirming title to stock held in the stores and to the extent owned by third parties, liaising with owners on stock disposals. The owned grain stores and plant and equipment will also be marketed for sale.

Joint administrator Mr Griffin said: “Alexander Inglis and Son is a key supplier of cereals and barley to the whisky, distilling and allied industries. The storage facilities are very well equipped and in strategic locations. We will now focus on marketing the assets for sale and would urge interested parties to contact the Edinburgh office of FRP as soon as possible on 0330 055 5455.”

NFU Scotland chief executive Scott Walker commented: “Members contacted NFU Scotland on Tuesday to make us aware that grain trader Alexander Inglis and Son, based at Tranent, East Lothian, was experiencing difficulties. I have made contact with the company today but have yet to receive clarification on its position. We will update our membership as soon as details are confirmed.

“Many NFUS members will be customers of the company and we will work to establish what implications any change in business arrangements will mean for them in terms of honouring any payments they are due and any grain contracts they may have with the company for the coming season.”