A North-east entrepreneur and Robert Gordon University (RGU) visiting lecturer has been named as one of the recipients of a prestigious award from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
James Millar, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Fusion Whisky Ltd, has been awarded a Foreign Minister’s Commendation in recognition of his work in promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the United Kingdom.
Mr Millar devised the first fusion whisky, consisting of Scottish and Japanese malts, named ‘The Glover’ after the Scottish Samurai, Thomas Blake Glover.
He has contributed to the establishment of the first Scottish Government Cross-Party Group on Japan and the creation of a Japanese Language Group. Aberdeen City Council also worked with Mr Millar while drafting their Japan Engagement Strategy.
Mr Millar has worked closely with RGU on various projects for a number of years, before being named as a visiting lecturer in early 2016. Over the course of that time, he has strengthened the university’s links with Japanese establishments and supported closer collaboration particularly in the field of life sciences.
Professor Lesley Diack, from RGU’s School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, said: “All of us who have worked alongside Jim over the years would like to extend our warmest congratulations his way.