Damian Riley-Smith: Publishing & drinks entrepreneur

Scottish Business Network

Damian Riley-Smith grew up in Norfolk but has strong family connections with Jura – both the island and the whisky. A born entrepreneur, he avoided studies during his time at Cambridge University because he was busy running three enterprises he had started up – a magazine, a nightclub and boxer short business. Yep – it was the 80s! After a brief spell in venture capital, he then moved into magazine publishing, which has been the focus of his career ever since, drawing him back to both Scotland and whisky. He’s the founder of Scotland magazine and Whisky magazine, and has gone on to build a publishing empire based around drinks, hospitality, events and awards – culminating in his renovation of Rothes Glen Castle on Speyyside, turning it into a luxury retreat for whisky lovers. Interviewed by Fraser Allen on 25 February 2022. www.allencomms.co.uk