Sir Jim Walker CBE was posthumously honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 20th Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards (HIFADA), which took place on 7 May at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.

This prestigious recognition celebrated the late Sir Jim’s exceptional contribution to Scotland’s food and drink industry and his transformational leadership in building Walker’s Shortbread into one of the world’s most recognised premium food brands.

Sir Jim, grandson of founder Joseph Walker, dedicated more than 60 years to the family business, helping to grow it from a small village bakery in Aberlour into a global enterprise exporting to nearly 100 countries. Under his leadership alongside his late brother Joe and sister Marjorie, the company achieved £200 million turnover in 2024, a remarkable rise from £40,000 when he first joined, while maintaining production in Speyside and staying true to its Highland roots.

Walker’s Shortbread’s international expansion began almost 50 years ago, including the opening of its first overseas office in Long Island, New York, in 1995. Today, the brand is sold across all 50 U.S. states, from Alaska to Hawaii, and holds a Royal from His Majesty the King for the supply of shortbread and oatcakes to the Royal Household, following the granting of the Royal Warrant of Appointment by the late Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Mother in 2002 for oatcakes and for shortbread by the late Queen in 2017, reflecting its enduring reputation for quality.

Yvonne Crook, Chair of Highland CIC, which now hosts the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards, said: “It was a privilege to recognise Sir Jim Walker with this Lifetime Achievement Award. His leadership, vision and commitment to quality have left an extraordinary legacy, not only within Walker’s Shortbread, but across the wider Highlands and Islands food and drink sector. As we marked 20 years of these Awards, it felt particularly fitting to honour someone who embodied the values we continue to celebrate, excellence, integrity and a deep connection to the Highlands. Sir Jim’s contribution helped shape the international reputation of our region, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”

Speaking on behalf of the family, Sir Jim’s son, Alastair Walker, who accepted the award alongside his mother Lady Jennifer Walker said: “As a family, we are deeply honoured and grateful to the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards for recognising our late father with this lifetime achievement award. Throughout his long career, he travelled the world with great pride, always serving as a passionate ambassador for Scotland especially for Speyside and the Highlands. His dedication to the people, produce, and heritage of the region was at the heart of everything he did, and it means a great deal to see that legacy celebrated in this way.”

A Lasting Legacy

Sir James Nicol Walker CBE, known as Jim, passed away on 15 December 2024 at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, aged 80. Born in Elgin on 13 June 1944, he was the son of the late James and Winnie Walker, and brother to the late Joe and Marjorie Walker.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jennifer, his children Jacqui, Jamie, Bryony and Alastair, and six grandchildren.

After attending Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen, Jim joined the family bakery when it employed just 16 people, learning every aspect of the business. As the company’s first dedicated salesperson, he played a pivotal role in building global relationships and long-standing international partnerships.

Beyond business, Sir Jim served as Deputy Lieutenant of Banffshire (1998–2019) and was awarded a CBE in 1999 for services to industry. In 2022, he was awarded a Knighthood by King Charles III, recognising his outstanding contribution to the food industry.

He was also known for his warmth, humility and generosity, as well as his love of fishing on the River Spey, golf, and nature. Above all, he was a devoted family man whose influence extended far beyond the business world.

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, Judith Fish MBE was named Highland Ambassador of the Year, recognising her outstanding contribution to hospitality and her long-standing commitment to showcasing the Highlands as a world-class destination.

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence

The 2026 Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards marked 20 years of celebrating excellence across one of Scotland’s most internationally respected food and drink regions.

Now hosted by Highland CIC, this milestone year reflects a renewed commitment to sustainable, future-focused development, bringing together industry, communities and partners to support the long-term success of the region.

For two decades, the Awards have championed world-class whisky, seafood, venison, beef, lamb, cheeses and artisan producers, while recognising the sector’s growing role in building a sustainable Highland economy – one that protects cultural heritage, supports rural communities and delivers environmental leadership alongside commercial success.

Sir Jim Walker’s legacy continues to inspire not only Walker’s Shortbread but the wider Scottish food and drink industry, where his leadership, integrity and commitment to excellence remain a benchmark for future generations.

The Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards 20th anniversary ceremony took place on 7 May 2026 at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.

2026 Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Award Winners
Best Restaurant / Eating Experience

Station Road Restaurant at The Lovat Loch Ness (Winner)

The Three Chimneys (Highly Commended)

Rising Star / Emerging Business Award

Cruciferous Croft (Winner)

Cocoa Bothy (Highly Commended)

Best Use of Highlands & Islands Provenance

Shetland Chef

Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Business of the Year

Crofter’s Kitchen

Community & Social Impact Award

Highland Coast Hotels (Winner)

The Three Chimneys (Highly Commended)

Tourism & Hospitality Experience of the Year

The Victorian Market

Young Highland Ambassador Award

Shannon Foubister, Founder, Brough Bakes (Winner)

Ellie Robertson, Food & Beverage Host, The Macallan (Highly Commended)

Food Producer of the Year

Shetland Biltong – Sound Butchers (Winner)

Isle of Skye Sea Salt Co. (Highly Commended)

Drink Producer of the Year

Lussa Gin Distillery

Best New Product or Innovation

Eviedale Bakehouse Beremeal Sourdough Crackers

Sustainability Award

The Real Food Cafe Tyndrum

Judges’ Choice Award

Hebrides Cruises

Highland Ambassador Award

Judith Fish MBE

A posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the family of Sir Jim Walker.