From his highland roots in Scotland’s legendary Campbeltown – an area steeped in whisky tradition – Balvenie Brand Ambassador and renaissance man Lorne Cousin brings a wealth of craftsmanship and skill, and a lifetime’s worth of unexpected experiences, to his role with the most hand crafted Single Malt Scotch. In a career that has seen him representing Scotland’s most beloved cultural products – music and whisky – he has travelled the world, sharing a platform with characters as diverse as royals, distillers, international pop stars and athletes.
From his cradle in the famed whisky producing region, Lorne entered into a successful career as an attorney in Edinburgh. However, his childhood passion for music would eventually shape his life and lead to an international career representing Scotland through its other great export – the bagpipes. An accomplished piper who began playing at the tender age of six, Lorne rapidly became one of the world’s most renowned players, earning some high profile gigs along the way. It was at the wedding of his childhood friend Stella McCartney that his career would be forever changed – he was spotted by a certain influential guest and, before he knew it, the legal career was put on hold and his career as an international piping superstar was launched.
A collaboration and series of onstage performances with Queen of Pop Madonna on her 2004 world tour firmly established his credentials, and enabled him to cultivate his unique style, fusing traditional and modern influences. During this time, he toured the world, playing at a variety of high profile engagements for the British Olympic team, as well as a host of celebrities and international brands along the way. Eventually settling in LA, he continued his dedication to his craft, founding the famed pipe group DRAM!, whose influence led to him being named an International Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust, the charity set up by HRH Prince Charles. In between all these achievements, he also managed to be included at number 6 in Scotland on Sunday’s Top 50 “Most Eligible Bachelors in Scotland” list, and was featured in countless newspaper, magazine and broadcast appearances.
Throughout the excitement of his career, however, Lorne has kept his feet firmly on the ground and stayed true to his roots, by maintaining a dedication to, and expertise in, Scotch Whisky. With a passion for Single Malts (what better way to toast a successful show?), and having raised glasses across the world, he is now ready to take his unique skills, showmanship and insight to America, as he spreads the word of the Most Handcrafted Single Malt to audiences across the continent.