Ron Gillies

In Perthshire we are lucky enough to have some fantastic local producers of great food and drink! We're spoiled for choice and for foodies - which is everybody in the Small City office - our region is definitely up there with the best!

Out in the countryside in the Carse of Gowrie, there's this strange winery which produces amazing fruit wines using the local berries. It's Cairn o' Mohr of course! The delicious flavours are unique and created by the very best of the local berries - guaranteeing great taste.

The winery was founded by Ron Gillies and his wife, Judith, and the couple worked tirelessly over the years to make Cairn o' Mohr one of the country's finest wineries.

Ron is renowned for his wit, so we knew when we caught up with him to chat about his work and how he likes to spend his weekends that we'd be in for a good laugh! He talks about everything from his favourite places to eat and drink, to Gengis Khan and his surprising talents!

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

I never know until I see it but mostly it involves pointing and shouting.

What signals the start of your weekend / days off?

You'll usually find me in Errol Pub, Tabla or the Everest Inn. Suddenly realising I’ve done everything and start doing interviews like this! I like to escape work by getting on my bike around the Carse of Gowrie, or by going out for some great food and drink! You'll usually find me in Errol Pub, Tabla Restaurant or the Everest Inn.

What might people be surprised to know about you?

I’ve got two belly buttons and can sing 'O Solo Mio' in soprano.

Top of your bucket list?

A new bucket!

Worst job you’ve ever had?

Shoveling s**t or wirebrushing railings on a rig at night in the North Sea in February - freezing!

Who or what inspires you?

Genghis Khan, and how he created the largest Empire in history while singing 'O Solo Mio' in soprano.

Tell us about the weekend you’d love to live again?

The last one...  It didn’t quite go as expected!

What’s the best part about your job?

Getting out into the countryside on a nice day and being able to drink fruit wine whenever I want... I only drink responsibly of course!

What’s in the perfect day off breakfast?

A fried egg on toast lightly salted with black pepper. Then I like to relax in my garden or in my hammock - bliss!

Complete this sentence; The best things in life are…

Reduced!

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To book a tour of the Cairn o' Mohr Winery or for more information on the products they have available, visit their website.