DISCOVER 21 YEARS OF ORKNEY: MEET GRAHAM DUFFIN

To celebrate the launch of Highland Park 21 Year Old 2023 Release, we’ve created a series of short films that capture 21 Years of Orkney through the eyes of three ‘makers’ who live and work in our island home. We asked them about their creative inspiration, their favourite places and – of course – how they best enjoy a dram of Highland Park!

Graham Duffin has been part of our distillery team for five years and, as Process Operator, is responsible for looking after the stills. Originally from Shetland, Graham first came to Orkney as a visitor, but after meeting his partner, decided to put down roots and call these islands his home. Talking about Orcadians, Graham says: “They are very warm and very friendly – they welcome you in with open arms.”

Graham’s passion for the craft of whisky making is matched by his passion for photography and he is both an enthusiastic and highly skilled visual storyteller, finding endless inspiration in Orkney’s dramatic shorelines.

“When I’ve got spare time, what I really like to do is get out with my camera and go along the shore, taking seascape photographs. I like to just sit and watch what the waves are doing, watch when they’re crashing in and how they break up and fall back into the sea. Down in South Ronaldsay, is a place called Windwick Bay. It’s absolutely beautiful. The waves just come crashing right in there – it’s quite a special place and, with the right weather, you can’t beat it.”

Graham’s perfect way to enjoy Highland Park is in the company of his partner’s father. “He’s a salt of the earth, guy, he’s brilliant. So, I’d just sit and have a dram with him because he’s such good company.”