About Double Scotch
Double Scotch was created by Ian Shearer.
After graduating from Oxford University in 1987 with a degree in Mathematics & Philosophy, Ian taught in Southern Spain for 3 years, and learned Spanish.
From 1992 he worked in Edinburgh at the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), Scotland's leading industry trade association, which is renowned internationally as one of the most effective representative commercial organisations in the UK. In 1999 he became its Director of Operational & Technical Affairs.
His 5-strong team developed a good reputation across the spirits industry, and among policy-makers, for co-ordinating industry initiatives on a wide range of subjects including cereals, Customs & Excise, energy & climate change, environment, food safety & scientific matters, health & safety, transport, vocational training, water etc; and for their lobbying on the industry's behalf of many government departments & agencies.
In 2003 an SWA campaign in which he played a major part won the CBI's (UK Confederation of British Industry) prestigious Business of Representation Award for that year.
Having been one of the SWA's Directors for almost 7 years, Ian decided to go his own way. Double Scotch was incorporated in 2007 as a consultancy in West Lothian, with convenient access to all major centres of business in Scotland and further afield.
Double Scotch is a member of the Association for Scottish Public Affairs, the West Lothian Chamber of Commerce and the Falkirk Business Panel.
Ian Shearer, Director of Double Scotch
During his previous career Ian developed a wide network of contacts in government departments and agencies; in other representative commercial organisations; and of course throughout the Scotch whisky industry. Further details are on the 'Our contacts' page.
He also built up knowledge across a very varied range of specialised policy areas. More information can be found on the 'Our experience' page.