Walker’s Shortbread, with its distinctive red tartan packaging, has been run by the same family for more than 125 years. To this day, the company continues to use its family recipes to bake products in Aberlour, in the beautiful Speyside region of the Scottish Highlands, a set-up that is key to the quality and provenance of this true heritage brand.
Managing Director Nicky Walker, who is among the fourth generation of the family to work at Walker’s, points out how locality is crucial to the company. “We are based in a rural community, and to retain our necessary workforce of around 1500 people can prove challenging. However, our staff are extremely loyal and, in some cases, generations of the same family have committed to the company, so there’s a real attachment and love for the brand.”
When Nicky’s father Joe, aunt Marjorie and uncle Jim took over the brand in the 1950s and 60s, it remained, in essence, a village bakery. A contract with Harrods, known for its international clientele, quickly spread the word about Walker’s, leading to increased demand. The company then expanded into foreign markets, growing the business’s presence far beyond Scotland’s borders. By the late 1970s, Walker’s products were exported to over 60 countries around the world.
Nicky grew up in the family home overlooking the company shop and old bakery site, and started working at Walker’s some 30 years ago after a successful career as a professional footballer. He has since seen the business expand rapidly yet remain true to its origins. “When you’re making a traditional product, quality and provenance are key,” says Nicky. The company now sells in major markets such as the US, but it still bakes all its shortbread in Speyside. “While embracing automation, we continue to produce our products in 250kg batch quantities, carefully managed by our bakers.”
Nicky and his senior leadership team are equally hands-on, “standing shoulder-to-shoulder with staff”. On his first day at the company, he was told to report for duty at 3.30am. This was a far cry from his days in professional football, but it was an important lesson as he was integrated into the business and industry.
Many of his old friends as well as their parents are now part of the Walker’s team, which contributes to the feeling of having extended family in the business. “When we’re writing our headline statements or strategies, we have our business family in mind, because we are all part of the journey, living and breathing it,” says Nicky.
This extended family is the litmus test for the taste and quality of Walker’s products. Nicky’s brother, Richard, is Technical Director, in charge of product development – and when he comes up with something new, staff test the products first. “If they are not enjoying the product, there’s little sense in bringing it to market,” says Nicky. “But normally we get things right and they are well received.”
The sourcing of ingredients as locally as possible is fundamental in achieving that excellence. This stretches back to the company’s roots in 1898, when Joseph Walker took over the village bakery and developed Walker’s original recipe for shortbread, which is still lovingly followed. In addition, products are baked in a specific fashion to achieve consistency, never taking shortcuts that compromise on quality. This attention to detail underpins the company’s five core values: quality, integrity, pride, responsibility and determination. “It’s something we learned as kids,” says Nicky. “We have taken on the mantle and are now spreading the same message.”
By adhering to these values, Walker’s has survived some tough times in its long history. After the Second World War, there was a shortage of quality ingredients, with rationing continuing until 1954. During this time, many of the company’s competitors began to use margarine and other substitutes, but Walker’s steadfastly stuck to butter, despite the higher cost. “It was a difficult decision,” says Nicky, “but it stood us in good stead because we maintained our quality and ethos.”
Walker’s quality, heritage and family values continue to please customers from every walk of life, including members of the royal household. Over the generations, the company has been fortunate enough to be granted Royal Warrants, initially in 2002 from the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II for oatcakes. In 2017, Walker’s received a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth for shortbread as well as oatcakes, and in early 2025 was re-awarded for its shortbread by King Charles. The company is also extremely proud and honoured to have received The Queen’s Award for Export on four separate occasions.
Many of Walker’s customers favour classic shortbread, but some are also keen to try the new variations with different flavour combinations, while gluten free, kosher, organic and calorie-conscious offerings meet specific dietary requirements. “History and tradition are indeed important, but we also like to be innovative both in terms of product and packaging to engage, hopefully, with the next generation of shortbread lovers,” says Nicky.
The company strives to develop its sustainability measures, too. These include transporting goods by train where possible instead of lorries, and using sea freight as opposed to air freight. Packaging is recyclable and Walker’s operates an on-site waste water treatment plant.
Walker’s packaging still proudly displays the famous tartan pattern. “We’re representing Scotland at its finest,” says Nicky. This is reflected in the partnership with Scottish tennis champion Andy Murray, who is Walker’s first brand ambassador. The collaboration evokes “a sense of national heritage, pride and the understated charm of two of Scotland’s most famous exports”.
Today, six family members work at Walker’s. Nicky and Richard’s cousins – Bryony, who is Commercial Director, Alastair, Head of International Sales, and Jacqueline, a Non-Executive Board Member – also belong to the fourth generation; and Nicky’s son, Luke, Production Manager, is the first of the fifth generation to work at the company full time. Together, they will ensure the Walkers will fly the flag for Scotland for years to come.
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