### Glenmorangie Distillery Workers Star Alongside Harrison Ford in Unique Whisky Campaign
Two generations of the Duff family, both employed at the renowned Glenmorangie Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, have described their experience participating in a new advert campaign alongside Hollywood legend Harrison Ford as nothing short of “surreal”. The campaign, titled *Once Upon a Time in Scotland*, was created to highlight the significance of Glenmorangie’s people, place and craft through a cinematic episodic series.
The Duffs, Alan Senior, 62, and his son Alan, 31, possess nearly 40 years of combined experience at the distillery. Their role in the campaign is substantial, featured in three of the campaign’s twelve episodes airing across TV, social channels, and online platforms such as YouTube. The campaign’s narrative follows Ford as he immerses himself in the traditions of Glenmorangie whisky-making, right in the heart of Tain.
Notable for its creative approach, the series is directed by Australian actor and filmmaker Joel Edgerton. The short films offer Ford a rare opportunity to play himself as he embarks on a whisky-inspired adventure, learning about the pronunciation of “Glenmorangie”, the ceremonial donning of kilts, and the deep-rooted bonds among those who work at the distillery.
In one episode, Ford is seen grappling with Scottish accents and frequently turning to the Duffs for guidance. A moment of levity occurs when Ford mistakes Alan Junior for a different Alan from another department, prompting an impromptu lesson in both pronunciation and whisky culture.
Reflecting on his whirlwind experience, Alan Duff Junior, a production operator at Glenmorangie since 2016, recounted how meeting one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors exceeded all expectations. “It was an honour to stand opposite someone of his fame,” he shared. “Even though you’re aware of the cameras, he made the whole atmosphere relaxed. Harrison’s advice was simple: be myself, and that took a lot of the pressure away.”
Alan Junior further described how Ford’s improvisational skills kept the experience dynamic, often blurring the lines between acting and real-life. “He’d go off script fairly often, which meant I had to stay alert, but it was such an enjoyable challenge I soon forgot we were being filmed. Acting alongside my dad and Harrison Ford is an experience I’ll cherish forever.”
Their family bond added a unique flavour to the campaign. Alan Senior, who has nearly three decades at Glenmorangie, admitted to initial nerves at the thought of acting with Ford. However, he said, “Harrison turned out to be a genuine, approachable man. It was fascinating seeing him engage with our team – and my son managed to strike up quite the rapport.”
Humour was a recurring element throughout the shoot. In Episode Five, Ford addresses Alan Senior with a tongue-in-cheek remark: “Ahhhh… he’s your fault,” having realised the familial connection. The fun tone continued when Ford asked Alan Junior to “look after me car”—referring to a rare Eagle Speedster Jaguar E-type.
Throughout the advertisements, Ford is depicted raising a toast to the “good people of Glenmorangie”, with Alan Junior gently correcting him on the precise pronunciation, a moment emblematic of the warmth and pride felt by the real workforce of the distillery. The campaign as a whole places genuine employees at its centre, reflecting the values and traditions that consumers have come to associate with the Glenmorangie brand.
Glenmorangie representatives have stated that the campaign honours the importance of both the stunning Highland location and the dedicated team behind its celebrated whiskies. By blending the international stardom of Harrison Ford with the authentic stories and faces of its staff, the company believes it is breaking fresh ground in whisky advertising and storytelling.
The Duff family’s once-in-a-lifetime brush with Hollywood not only serves to spotlight their passion for their craft but also demonstrates Glenmorangie’s dedication to its roots and the people who make its iconic whiskies possible. For Alan Senior and Junior, it has left them with memories—and a story—they will recount for years to come.