Hollywood icon and Star Wars legend Harrison Ford unveiled as new face of Tain-based Glenmorangie Distillery
A HOLLYWOOD icon who surprised locals in Easter Ross when he rolled up to a pub on a bicycle looking for Sunday lunch is now the toast of one of the area’s best-known whisky makers.
And Harrison Ford is continuing to break with convention in a quirky advertising hook-up with Glenmorangie which sees him donning a kilt and poking fun at himself.
The unconventional campaign sees the Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Patriot Games legend star alongside distillery team to promote the brand.
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And fans of both Ford and the dram distilled near Tain are promised a treat with the star’s trademark wry humour to the fore in a series of episodic films directed by actor and film-maker, Joel Edgerton.
Once Upon a Time in Scotland takes us behind-the-scenes as Ford journeys to Glenmorangie’s Highland home to discover the skill and craftmanship that goes into making each bottle of its complex and elegant whisky.
It sees the actor enjoy the authentic Scottish experience — from getting to grips with the nuances of Scottish pronunciation and kilt etiquette, to bonding with locals over a dram of single malt — all shot in an unconventional, deliberately ‘off-script’ style.
It’s understood the star was staying in the area at the end of August last year when he unexpectedly popped in to the Balintore Inn for Sunday lunch, enjoying a homemade beef jalfrezi.
The Glenmorangie campaign captures the natural beauty of the local area from the historic distillery in Tain where Glenmorangie has been created for over 180 years to the storied 19th century Ardross Castle and the dramatic landscapes surrounding Loch Glass.
Appearing alongside Ford are the real Glenmorangie distillery team — who embraced their first experience of acting under the guidance of a global cinematic legend — while the brand’s flagship whiskies, Glenmorangie Original 12 Years Old and Glenmorangie Infinita 18 Years Old also take on a starring role.
Edgerton’s 12 episodes and hero film are complemented by still images shot by acclaimed fashion photographer Lachlan Bailey. They feature Ford as he’s never been seen before: donning a stylish Scottish kilt designed by streetwear brand Palace.
Caspar MacRae, president & CEO of The Glenmorangie Company, said: “Harrison Ford is the real deal: a true global icon, and a genuine whisky lover. It was a dream come true to collaborate on this campaign, and welcome him to our home in the Highlands to discover more about Glenmorangie. He is someone who has honed his craft over decades, which gives him a real appreciation for the dedication and skill of our distillery team.
“Like us, he’s not afraid to laugh at himself – and I think Joel has perfectly captured his authentic warmth, alongside his roguish sense of humour. We hope whisky lovers around the world will enjoy exploring the episodes, and learning more about the real people and places behind our whiskies, through Harrison’s eyes.”
Ford, star of Once Upon a Time in Scotland, said: “I loved working with the team at the distillery — they were all great. The whole process of filming was full of unanticipated joys: little unexpected moments. It’s a tribute to Glenmorangie’s sensibilities that they let us be less than totally serious. I think what Joel has produced has a certain charm to it, because it’s unpretentious and just amusing.”
Joel Edgerton said: “I’ve spent my whole life watching commercials that follow an expected format and so I really like it when things are a little disruptive, fun, and irreverent. It was nice that we got a chance within the very traditional industry of whisky to get behind the scenes, to subvert the seriousness that often goes into an advertising campaign and have fun with that.
“I hope that people get to see the short film and the full-length episodes – and enjoy them and share them around.”
Once Upon a Time in Scotland will roll out globally from January 28 spanning online video, TV, PR and social media. Six full-length episodes and an array of behind-the-scenes content will initially be available to view on glenmorangie.com, with the rest released throughout 2025.
Ross-shire Journal readers have a chance to win a bottle of 10-year-old Glenmorangie malt every week with our crossword competition. You’ll find the crossword on our letters page in print and on the e-edition.
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