The Scottish Bartenders Network joined forces with the SLTA late last year as part of the strategy to modernise the association and reach out to the people who are the face of our industry – the men and women behind the bar
For Martin Duffy, who heads up the Scottish Bartenders Network, the decision to join forces with the SLTA last year was one that made “absolute sense”.
The co-owner of the fast-growing Edinburgh-based mobile bar company Solid Liquids formed the Scottish Bartenders Network back in 2011 to help connect those who want to learn and network but said becoming part of the SLTA opened up a “whole new set of opportunities”.
“Everyone’s heard of the SLTA and it has a very strong voice,” he said. “It has a long and respected track record of representing the trade in Scotland so for us to now be part of such a long-established association opens a lot of doors for us.”
SLTA chief executive Paul Waterson, described the new partnership as “exciting”, stating: “The Scottish Bartenders Network means we are now in a position to provide services for the country’s bartenders, mixologists and beer sommeliers. It’s a 1000-strong network and having them onboard means we are truly representative of the licensed trade in Scotland.”
Duffy confirmed that the new arrangement was going well. “So far, so good,” he said. “We’re working towards having our own page on the SLTA’s website with a forum area for discussion – the SLTA will be a hub for us and help both organisations build their membership.
“One of the key elements of the arrangement is that SLTA membership is free to all PLHs – it’s a really good idea and helps get people who aren’t owners more involved in the industry.”
He continued: “Brands want to engage with bar managers and bartenders because they’re often the ones who have great ideas and want to try something new – and that, in turn, creates opportunity which makes the industry more dynamic.
“We also want young people to realise that there are great career opportunities in the hospitality industry and also great training available – working behind a bar doesn’t have to be a job to tide you over while you’re studying or waiting for something better to come along. There are a lot of young entrepreneurs opening bars and attracting people who see it as an exciting sector.”
Last year, the SLTA launched three new scholarships for its members. Available exclusively to the SLTA in association with HIT Scotland and The Ben are Mixologist, Entrepreneurial and Management scholarships.