What does Muhammad Ali, Johnny Depp and Caithness Councillor Struan Mackie have in common? The have all been made Kentucky Colonels
In what may be a first for the Highlands, the Provost of Thurso Struan Mackie has been commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel – the highest civilian honour the state can award.
The honour which is similar in kind to being made a chief of a Highland Games except the role is more of an ongoing goodwill ambassador for the state and in particular its Bourbon industry – tough gig.
Councillor Mackie said he was “quite surprised but delighted” when the certificate arrived by post this morning confirming his colonelcy and not without some cause because the only association with Kentucky
Being a Kentucky Colonel is quite prestigious and previously others given the honour is a roll call of some of the best known public figures in the US and beyond.
They include presidents (seven of them), royals (Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Anne), actors (Clark Gable and Ashley Judd), pioneering sportsmen (Muhammed Ali and Arthur Ashe) and musicians (all four Beatles and Elvis).
Quoting his fellow Colonel Presley, you would forgive the councillor for a brief ‘uh huh huh’ of surprise when the honour dropped through the letterbox after what he describes as a cryptic text message a few weeks ago.
Cllr Mackie was asked if there was anyone who could sign up to an official document on his behalf and in the end fellow Councillor Andrew Sinclair did so – then today all became clear.
He believes his commission stems from his support of the Bourbon industry while on trips to the state for his own North Point distillery – aficionados of real whisky may bridle at this though Kentucky casks to play a role in Scotland’s whisky industry.
The commissions for the Kentucky Colonel are granted by the Governor and Secretary of State for “noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to one's community, state, and nation.”
Cllr Mackie confirmed that he will not have to bear arms for the Commonwealth of Kentucky but has so far refused to deny potentially setting up a fried chicken hotspot.
“It really came out of the blue and it really is nice to find out that I have been commissioned a Kentucky Colonel. It comes from my work with the distillery and my association with the Kentucky’s Bourbon industry.
“A few months ago I got a cryptic text asking if there was anyone over here who could sign or second an application and in the end Andrew Sinclair (Highland Council) did that and then this document arrived today.
“It is more of a goodwill ambassador role, kind of like being chief of a Highland games, but I do intend to act as an ambassador for Kentucky Bourbon over here and so far I am the only one I know if in the Highlands – perhaps more will come out of the woodwork now.
“I just really appreciate it, it is a lovely and totally unexpected recognition for working with the Bourbon industry in the US, which of course is essential in providing casks for our own whisky industry.”
The certificate read:
To all to whom these presents shall come, greeting: know ye that.
Honorable Struan Mackie is commissioned a Kentucky Colonel
I hereby confer this honor with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities thereunto appertaining
In testimony whereof, I have caused these letters to be made patent and the seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed. Done at Frankfort, the 22nd day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty four and in the 292nd year of the Commonwealth.
Signed by Governor Andy Beshear and State Secretary Michael J Adams.
