Hall of Fame

Raymond Davidson left Airdrie Academy at 18 years of age and joined Honeywell, an American company, as a technical apprentice. He soon became an environmental test engineer; but always wanted a career in sales and moved to work for Crown Paints before moving on to Matchbox Toys.

One day, a colleague asked if he would be interested in setting up a new division for Edinburgh Crystal to manage their new corporate business. Shortly afterwards, he realised that Edinburgh Crystal was unable to supply the needs of this new range of customers.

Raymond established Glencairn Crystal but always had an interest in music; organising dances, playing the guitar in bands or as a solo performer. He enjoyed his music part-time and thought if the new company proved difficult financially he could pursue his music career.

Fortunately, the business made good progress. Raymond was always insistent that his products should be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. He was introduced to Jim Drysdale; a remarkably talented and experienced artist who was a true gentleman with a terrific wit and sense of humour. In the early days, the only people in the factory were Jim and Raymond.

The business has grown during the past three decades into an international success story.

There are now more than fifty employees and his sons servicing the needs of sixty-plus countries around the globe and more than a million little glass brand ambassadors per year educating the whisky world.