What better way to celebrate 25 years of success than commemorating this milestone with our very own bespoke tartan.
We were keen that the new tartan be connected with the whisky industry in some way to reflect our heritage and involvement with the sector.
In our visits to many client sites there are certain sights, colours and smells that link them all. But it’s always been the distinctive copper stills which capture the imagination and being synonymous with Scotch whisky we started thinking if it might be possible to use a copper thread as part of the weave - making it officially the first tartan to do so.
Working closely with designers Glowfish Creative and Ken MacDonald at Houston Kiltmakers we determined that the overall theme of the tartan would be dark grey to reflect the dark rainclouds that deliver the water from which all whisky is born. Through this we have woven fine lines of the copper and amber threads to evoke the process of converting the water into the whisky we know and love.
The tartan has been made into kilts and a variety of accessories which will be worn at corporate events attended by Allen Associates and distributed at times to friends and clients alike to enjoy.
We are delighted to announce too that The Allen Associates Tartan has been added to the official Scottish Register of Tartans in Edinburgh - Tartan No. 12115.
Allen Associates is a private limited company registered in Scotland (Registered Number SC201596) with its Registered Office at 23 Brickfield, Craigellachie, Aberlour, Banffshire, AB38 9TD.
Your privacy is important to Allen Associates and we are committed to ensuring it is protected. This policy sets out our commitment to manage and process your personal data in line with GDPR regulations and has been created for use within the United Kingdom and Europe.
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What are cookies?
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Allen Associates Limited uses cookies to ensure that we provide the best possible standard of service to our online customers. However, as part of our privacy and security policy, we require your consent to use them.
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It must be noted that if you choose not to consent to the use of cookies, your experience of web sites may be impaired and many integral aspects of the site may not work at all.
Personal Data Collection
We will only collect personal information provided with your consent. This could be: your contact details provided through our website enquiry form. The information you give us may include your name, age, email address and phone number, demographic information and information regarding an enquiry.
We will use this information to:
What is the lawful basis of the processing of your data?
We will not, under any circumstances, pass on the details you provide when using our site to other organisations.
Data Protection
We take the security of your Data seriously, there are controls in place to try and ensure any data is not lost, accidently destroyed, misused or disclosed, and is not accessed except by relevant employees in the performance of their duties.
Third party service providers (e.g. IT or payroll) may have access to your personal data on a strictly confidential basis and only in fulfilment of their contractual obligations to us.
We will not retain your personal data for longer than necessary for the purposes set out in this Policy. Different retention periods will apply to different types of data.
Controlling the personal data we hold about you.
You have a right to request:
Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request any changes.
Policy Administration
Upon submission of your personal data via our website you are accepting and consenting to this policy. If you have any questions about the collection or use of your information through this website operated by Allen Associates (HPE) Ltd, you can contact us at the above address or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
You are entitled to request access to any information held by us about you. You may request changes to be made to ensure the accuracy of the information held. We will require you to provide evidence to confirm your identity before information is provided.
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On occasion we include links to third parties on this website. Where we provide a link it does not mean that we endorse or approve that site's policy towards visitor privacy. You should review their privacy policy before sending them any personal data
Complaints
You have the right to complain about data protection matters to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO is the UK’s independent body set up to uphold information rights. You can find out more about the ICO on its website (https://ico.org.uk/) or contact them by calling 0303 123 1113.
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Our offices are located at Stirling University Innovation Park, the ideal location for serving our clients across Scotland and also have a base at Craigellachie in the heart of Scotland’s largest whisky region...Speyside.
If you wish to contact us about vacancies, student placements, etc you must do so via the enquires email address and that emails direct to staff members will not be answered.
Allen Associates
Unit 7 Alpha Centre
Stirling University Innovation Park
Stirling
FK9 4NF
Scotland
telephone: +44 (0)1786 448777
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Our team of highly qualified chemical engineers have a broad range of expertise and over 100 years of experience. We provide our clients with a range of professional engineering solutions from advice to delivery of turnkey projects. When considering your next project please give us a call.
Click on a team members photo to see their bios.
Scott Allen
Professor
CEng FIChemE
Managing Director
Martin Smith
CEng MIChemE
Engineering Director
Angela Turnbull
CEng MIChemE
Engineering Manager
Laura Beattie
Office Manager
Bobby Stewart
MEng AMIChemE
Lead Process Design Engineer
Geoff Nisbet
MEng AMIChemE
Lead Process Design Engineer
Darren Draper
BSc (Hons) MSc (Dist.) MIET
Lead Project Support Engineer
Gordon Coull
CEng MIChemE
Senior Process Design Engineer
Andrew Gold Neilson
CEng FIChemE
Process Consultant
Scott Phillips
Project Engineer
Michael Walker
MEng AMIChemE
Process Design Engineer
David Henderson
MEng AMIChemE
Process Design Engineer
Catriona MacDonald
MEng AMIChemE
Process Design Engineer
Ronan Iffla
MEng AMIChemE
Process Design/Safety Engineer
David Ross
CAD Operator
Sandra Allen
Speyside Office Manager
Daniel D`Arcy-Kernan
MEng AMIChemE
Lead Process Safety Engineer
Hamish McMullan
MEng AMIChemE
Process Safety Engineer
We also have a network of specialist engineers in the areas of thermal processes, nozzle selection for CIP, and effluent treatment. We work with these people as required to deliver the best technical solution for your process. We have a close relationship with local Universities (Strathclyde, Herriot-Watt, Edinburgh) and every year offer students the opportunities for work placements of final year project work.
Bill Allen, a retired Chemical Engineer, launched Allen Associates in 1994 designing CIP and yeast systems for distilleries. One of his first projects was for Diageo at Benrinnes distillery in Speyside. In 1999 Stephen Ryde, also a Chemical Engineer and a great friend and colleague joined Bill and the company became limited. Sadly both Bill and Steve have passed away however the business they laid the foundations for is still thriving.
Professor
CEng FIChemE
Managing Director
After graduating from the University of Strathclyde with a degree in Chemical and Process Engineering, Scott held positions at several global firms before joining Allen Associates in 2001. He was appointed Managing Director in 2006.
In 2015 he was awarded a Fellowship of the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and in 2017 he was appointed Visiting Professor at the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Chemical & Process Engineering. Scott’s role in the business is working at the conceptual end of the project lifecycle, working with clients to define their project requirements, and preparing both design reports and proposals for client engagement.
In his spare time Scott enjoys family life, football, cycling and is a keen mountaineer where he is a qualified mountain guide. Perhaps not surprisingly he also has a passion for whisky.
Engineering Director
MEng CEng MIChemE
Martin joined Allen Associates in 2004 following completion of a Masters in Chemical Engineering from the University of Strathclyde.
He is a Chartered Chemical Engineer and Engineering Director at Allen Associates, where he oversees all process safety work and the development of all distilled spirit designs from first P&ID development through to commissioning and handover. He also supports the technical and professional development of the engineering team.
When not working Martin plays tennis competitively for three teams across central Scotland, follows Hamilton Accies and also enjoys going out for walks with his Standard Poodle, Remy. He is a whisky enthusiast and over the years has built up a sizeable collection of single malts.
Office Manager
Laura joined Allen Associates in 2014, bringing a wealth of leadership and training experience to the company.
As Office Manager, she is responsible for the smooth running of the office with her responsibilities covering multiple areas including HR, accounts, ISO and events.
Away from work Laura loves the great outdoors and can often be found walking, running and cycling. On the rare occasions she gets to put her feet up, she enjoys a trip to the cinema.
Process Design Engineer
MEng AMIChemE
Michael joined Allen Associates upon graduating from Strathclyde University with a Masters in Chemical and Process Engineering.
As the process engineer at Allen Associates, he assists with the initial design through to detailed design, whilst working closely with suppliers and clients.
A passionate cyclist, you can find him most weekends along country lanes with his fellow roadies. When not cycling you can find him partaking in some kind of sport in the great outdoors.
Process Design Engineer
Catriona completed two internships with Allen Associates before graduating from the University of Strathclyde with a master’s degree in chemical engineering and subsequently joined the company as a graduate process design engineer.
As part of the Allen Associates team Catriona, in addition to working on exciting new distillery designs and expansions, also continues to develop her work on energy saving, the basis of her master’s thesis, working towards the ultimate goal of net zero distilling.
When not working she is most likely playing netball and has represented Scotland at 8 age-group European Championships and a World Youth Netball Cup. Catriona is currently playing for the Sirens Development Squad and also enjoys being active outdoors - hillwalking, sailing and skiing.
Process Design Engineer
David graduated with a Masters in Chemical & Process Engineering from the University of Strathclyde and spent nearly four years working in the downstream oil & gas industry before joining Allen Associates in 2024.
Outside of work, David enjoys watching football, playing golf and taking his dog for a walk.
Senior Process Design
CEng MIChemE
Gordon joined Allen Associates in 2008 following completion of his Masters in Chemical Engineering from the University of Strathclyde. He qualified as a Chartered Chemical Engineer in 2014.
Specialising in computer aided design, Gordon - as part of the drawing team - is at the forefront of the development of advanced 3D modelling and virtual reality for project visualisation in distilled spirits. In the past he has worked on notable projects such as the Glenmorangie’s bottling facility in Livingston, the expansion and automation of Edrington’s Great Western Road bottling facility and the new filling store for Macallan Distillery.
Outside of work Gordon enjoys spending time with the family, going for walks with his dog and helping to look after his wife’s two horses.
Process Safety Engineer
MEng AMIChemE
Following the award of Masters in Chemical Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, Daniel joined Allen Associates as process design engineer before latterly taking on the role of process safety engineer.
He is an accredited HAZOP and LOPA Chairman and has carried out studies for clients internationally, including projects in Australia, New York and Finland. In addition to his functional safety work, he has also carried out DSEAR audits on multiple sites throughout the UK and further afield.
A keen musician, Daniel has recorded several songs and performed in venues across Scotland’s central belt as lead guitarist in a local band. He also likes to take his work home and can occasionally be found ‘quality testing’ some of his client’s products. He is a keen hillwalker and also enjoys a spot of amateur astronomy.
Engineering Manager
CEng MIChemE
Angela attained her MEng in Chemical and Process Engineering from the University of Strathclyde before qualifying as a Chartered Chemical Engineer.
Starting as a process design engineer at Allen Associates, she is now Engineering Manager with responsibility for coordinating all projects. She has particular expertise in 2D and 3D CAD technology and works closely with the Engineering Director to develop distillery P&IDs and layouts, in addition to her project delivery management role.
Away from work, Angela’s time is largely taken up with her magnificent Newfoundland dog, Jorji, who is trained in water rescue. When not out walking or swimming, Angela also enjoys a spot of DIY in the house and garden.
Lead Project Support Engineer
MEng AMIChemE
Darren joined Allen Associates in 2024 following a long career in Complex Systems Engineering and Integration. Upon completion of his university studies he worked in the Construction Industry, followed by a period in Academia before moving into the Aerospace & Defense Industry. During the latter, he contributed to the development and delivery of the Royal Navy Merlin helicopter and its Training School based at RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall. On his return to Scotland, he worked on both Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers and most recently the Canadian Halifax Class destroyer.
When not working Darren loves walking his Standard Poodle Mylo, playing squash, mountain biking and skiing with his family. As a father of four children, who all play sport, and when time allows it, he likes to sit down and enjoy a single malt whisky.
Process Design Engineer
MEng AMIChemE
Following an internship at the consultancy, Matilde joined Allen Associates full time in 2019 when she completed her MEng in Chemical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh.
As part of the process design team, Matilde has a particular interest in energy efficiency and CO2 reduction. She is actively involved in a number of projects that are geared towards ultimately helping to decarbonise the distilling process and lead the industry away from a reliance on fossil fuels.
In her spare time Matilde likes to get outdoors and can regularly be found mountain biking, road cycling, kitesurfing, snowboarding, running and hillwalking. To top it all off, she also likes to take part in the occasional triathlon.
Lead Process Design Engineer
MEng AMIChemE
Bobby joined Allen Associates directly from the University of Strathclyde where he gained a Masters in Chemical and Process Engineering.
As lead process engineer, Bobby has worked with numerous high profile clients in the UK and overseas where he has been responsible for taking projects from initial design, leading through detailed design to implementation. Specialist areas include front end engineering design studies and project support.
A keen golfer, Bobby also spends his spare time following the football and appreciating a fine dram or two at whisky tastings.
Graduate Safety Engineer
MEng AMIChemE
During university, Hamish acquired experience within whisky operations and project management over several summer placements. He graduated with a Masters in Chemical Engineering from the University of Strathclyde and joined Allen Associates following an internship at the consultancy.
Having previously assisted with the completion of safety projects, Hamish now works closely with the Process Safety Specialist. As a graduate safety engineer at Allen Associates, he is responsible for assisting and ensuring completion of safety procedures, including HAZOP, LOPA, DSEAR and Vent Sizing.
In his spare time Hamish plays for Fair City AFC in the Amateur Perth League, and periodically swims for Perth Masters Swimming club. He also enjoys spending time with his dogs and sampling the occasional dram or two.
Project Engineer
Before joining Allen Associates, Scott spent seven years working in the oil and gas industry in the UK and overseas, firstly as install technician for new petrol station installations in Sydney, Australia and latterly as project engineer for offshore helifuel systems.
As project engineer at Allen Associates, he is involved in project installations and commissioning for distillery clients across the globe. Responsibilities include overseeing on site mechanical and control install to ensure AA design is being implemented correctly, and design commission prior to handover to client.
In his spare time Scott enjoys football, music and travelling.
Process Consultantr
CEng FIChemE
Andrew has consulted for Allen Associates since 2016.
A Chemical and process engineering honours graduate of Strathclyde University, he brings 35 years of experience in the detailed design, installation and commissioning of large scale, pharmaceutical, chemical, food and drink process plants.
He supports the management team, working primarily in early project development. His key technical interest is in modelling of complex distillation, extraction and heat exchange processes using Aspentech process simulators.
When not designing, or tinkering on the guitar, he can be found running around the tracks and trails of the central belt with his dogs.
Lead Process Design Engineer
MEng AMIChemE
Geoff joined Allen Associates from the University of Strathclyde where he graduated with a Masters in Chemical and Process Engineering.
As lead process design engineer, he is responsible for taking projects from initial design, leading through detailed design to implementation. He liaises directly with clients and works closely with the wider design team throughout the lifecycle of each project. He is also directly involved in the technical development of process engineers within the Allen Associates team.
When not working Geoff likes the great outdoors and can often be found sea kayaking, cycling, skiing and hillwalking.
Graduate Process Design/Safety Engineer
Ronan joined Allen Associates after graduating from Heriot-Watt University with a Master’s in Chemical Engineering and gaining some experience in the drinks industry. In his master’s thesis, Ronan chose to research improving the sustainability of the whisky production process.
As a process engineer at Allen Associates, he assists in the process safety work carried out by the company such as HAZOP, LOPA, DSEAR and other safety reports. He also assists in the varying design stages of new and existing distillery projects.
In his spare time Ronan goes to the gym, plays basketball with his friends and enjoys an occasional dram.
CAD Operator
Before joining Allen Associates, David spent twenty plus years working in the building services industry. Starting as a pipe fitter / welder before moving into a CAD role. Using his knowledge of pipe systems and installations to specialise in 3D coordination of all building services and the offsite prefabrication of plant areas & service modules.
As a CAD Operator at Allen Associates David will be using his expertise in CAD to produce P&ID’s, 2D and 3D layout drawings. Also making sure the company dogs get all the attention they want!
Outside of work David can be found in a local tabletop wargaming club playing a variety of different games or running through the woods playing Airsoft.
