L-R: Fraser Souness, Gordon & MacPhail, David Shawah, iGroup, Tristan Barter, iGroup, Dora Petherbridge, Curator (US and Commonwealth Collections), National Library of Scotland, Alison Stevenson, Director of Collections, Access and Research, National Library of Scotland

Rare Book Celebrated with Rare Drams in Donation to National Library of Scotland to Mark 100th Anniversary

Edinburgh, November 12th 2025 — In a celebration of natural heritage and enduring legacy, Gordon & MacPhail, one of Scotland’s most prestigious independent Scotch whisky companies, together with Mr. Pote Narittakurn Lee, Chairman of iGroup (and owner of Gordon & MacPhail’s distribution partner in Thailand), have collaborated to donate a rare 21st century edition of John James Audubon’s Birds of America to the National Library of Scotland.

This meaningful act of philanthropy marks a double milestone: the 100th anniversary of the National Library of Scotland and the 130th anniversary of Gordon & MacPhail. The donation reflects a shared commitment to preserving knowledge, nature, and culture for generations to come.

Established in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail blends deep heritage, family stewardship, and rare whisky curation. Over more than a century, the company has shaped global appreciation for single malt whisky—crafting and maturing some of the world’s most sought-after expressions. This legacy of patience and precision finds a kindred spirit in J.J Audubon’s painstakingly detailed tribute to avian life.

“This donation honours our shared appreciation for Scotland’s natural world, its literary and artistic traditions, and the importance of preserving cultural treasures,” said Mr. Lee, whose company iGroup have pioneered digital publishing in the Education space for over 40 years. “We are proud to support the National Library of Scotland’s vital role in safeguarding the nation’s heritage.”

Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, added: “Just as our whiskies capture the essence of place and time, Audubon’s Birds of America captures the delicate beauty of the natural world. It’s a privilege to mark our 130th year with a gesture that celebrates both legacy and landscape.”

The National Library of Scotland will house the edition within its special collections, providing public access to a timeless fusion of science, art, and storytelling.

This donation not only commemorates landmark anniversaries but also symbolises a deeper connection between nature, craft, and the Scottish spirit—a shared legacy of excellence in both words and whisky.

A special event, with invited guests will, celebrate the donation with a tasting of some of the world’s rarest and most exclusive Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from Gordon & MacPhail.

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned Scotch whisky specialist. Based in Elgin and operating on an international level, Gordon & MacPhail is owned by the third and fourth generation of the Urquhart family. Bringing together over 130 years of expertise in Scotch whisky production with a passion for building a business that will continue for generations to come, Gordon & MacPhail owns both Benromach Distillery in Forres and The Cairn Distillery in Grantown-on-Spey, as well as maturing and bottling some of the world’s rarest Single Malt Scotch Whiskies under its Gordon & MacPhail brand.

About iGroup

iGroup connects people and organisations with the knowledge and tools they need to learn and discover. iGroup began in the book business and grew into the leading provider of digital content and technology-led solutions for libraries across the Asia–Pacific region. For over 40 years, we’ve supported libraries, universities and research communities. With local teams in 20+ countries and a global partner network, we combine on-the-ground insight with global reach to facilitate knowledge exchange, accelerate research, and empower teaching, learning and discovery.

About John James Audubon’s Birds of America

John James Audubon’s Birds of America (1827–1838) is widely regarded as one of the most significant achievements in natural history publishing, featuring 435 life-size, hand-coloured plates that combine meticulous scientific observation with exceptional artistry. The first ten copper plates in the volume were engraved, printed and watercolour-finished by an Edinburgh company headed by William Home Lizars. Produced in the monumental “double elephant folio” format, with each print measuring 99cm by 66cm, the work has inspired generations of ornithologists, artists, and nature enthusiasts.

This 21st-century edition faithfully captures the beauty and detail of Audubon’s original, making it accessible to new audiences for research, learning, and enjoyment.