Hollywood actor journeys into the Highlands
HIGHLAND single malt whisky Glenmorangie has banked on the star power of Hollywood actor Harrison Ford in its new global marketing campaign.
The new ‘Once Upon a Time in Scotland’ ad series sees the actor, known for his roles in countless action movies such as Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Blade Runner, swap out his whip and hat in favour of a kilt and a dram in a series of episodic films directed by actor Joel Edgerton.
Filmed in the north-east Highlands in Scotland, the campaign aims to capture the beauty of the local area with locations such as Glenmorangie’s own historic distillery in Tain – where the dram has been crafted for over 180 years – to the 19th century Ardross Castle, which is used in BBC’s The Traitors.
Alongside Ford are the real Glenmorangie distillery team, who have embraced their first experience of acting under the tutelage of the cinematic legend, while the brand’s flagship drams Glenmorangie Original 12 Years Old and Glenmorangie Infinita 18 Years Old are championed across the series.
Edgerton – whose own acting credits include two Star Wars films – has directed 12 episodes and a hero film in total, all of which are accompanied by still images shot by fashion photographer Lachlan Bailey and feature Ford in a kilt designed by streetwear brand Palace, with a dram of the Glenmorangie in hand.
Once Upon a Time in Scotland has rolled out globally across online video, connected TV, out-of-home formats, experiential, PR and social media. Six of the full-length episodes can be seen on glenmorangie.com now along with an array of behind-the-scenes content, with the rest set to be released across 2025.
Caspar MacRae, president and chief executive 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.”
Harrison Ford 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.”
