The Scottish Whisky Awards has announced Richard Forsyth OBE, Chairman of Forsyths, as the recipient of the prestigious Dr Jim Swan Award for 2026, recognising his outstanding contribution to the Scotch whisky industry and his influence on distilling across the world.
The award will be presented at the 8th annual Scottish Whisky Awards, taking place on Thursday 26 November 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central, where leading figures from across the Scotch whisky industry will gather to celebrate excellence, innovation and achievement.
The Dr Jim Swan Award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the development and advancement of the whisky industry, celebrating the pioneering spirit, expertise and lasting legacy of the late Dr Jim Swan.
Richard Forsyth OBE is one of the most respected figures in the global distilling and fabrication industries, with a career spanning almost six decades.
Beginning his career as an apprentice coppersmith in 1968, Richard developed the traditional craftsmanship and technical expertise that would help shape the future of Forsyths, the family-owned business based in Rothes, Speyside.
With a heritage spanning four generations, Forsyths has become internationally renowned for its handcrafted copper stills and complete distillery installations, supporting whisky production in Scotland and around the world.
Under Richard’s leadership, the company successfully navigated challenging periods for the whisky industry, diversifying its engineering and fabrication capabilities while maintaining its reputation for quality, innovation and traditional craftsmanship.
Today, Forsyths’ distinctive copper stills can be found in distilleries across the globe, with Richard’s influence extending far beyond Speyside.
His outstanding contribution to the industry was formally recognised in 2020 when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to the sector.
Richard’s achievements have also been recognised through his induction into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame, his membership of the Worshipful Company of Distillers and his appointment as a Keeper of the Quaich. He is also set to take on the prestigious role of Master of the Quaich.
Throughout his career, Richard has remained committed to supporting the next generation of craftspeople, preserving traditional skills and contributing to the local Speyside community.
Richard Forsyth OBE, Chairman of Forsyths, said: “I am delighted to be the recipient of this year’s Dr Jim Swan Award. Having known Jim for many years and worked closely with him on numerous projects, it is particularly meaningful to be recognised with an award that celebrates his legacy.
“Together, both at home and internationally, we have collaborated on the design and construction of several prominent distilleries. Traditionally, Forsyths has led on the equipment design and fabrication, with Jim contributing his expertise in specific areas of production, particularly wood cask selection and maturation methods tailored to the regions in which we were working.
“Asia has long been, and continues to be, a significant whisky market, and one of our most notable projects was Kavalan in Taiwan, which has since become one of the region’s leading distilleries.
“It is a real honour to be presented with this prestigious award. I look forward to an evening of celebration and expressing my sincere gratitude on the night.”
Alan Wolstenholme, Chair of the Scottish Whisky Awards Judging Panel, said: “Richard is a most worthy recipient of the 2026 Scottish Whisky Awards “Jim Swan Award.”
Under Richard’s guidance and drive his family firm of Forsyths has grown from its original roots as a local workshop into a multi-site, multi-company enterprise providing a wide range of skills, internationally, to industries far beyond just the Scotch Whisky Industry.
He has weathered the ups and downs of the industry by looking beyond its boundaries to search out new opportunities providing employment and careers to many.”
The presentation of the Dr Jim Swan Award will be a highlight of the 2026 Scottish Whisky Awards, which celebrates the businesses, people and products driving Scotland’s world-renowned Scotch whisky industry forward.
The awards ceremony will bring together distillers, independent bottlers, suppliers and industry professionals to recognise the achievements and continued success of Scotland’s national spirit.