The Earl of Wessex learnt more about the craft of coopering during a recent visit to Diageo’s Dundashill Cooperage in Glasgow.During a tour of the premises, which employs around 50 staff, the Earl of Wessex viewed both traditional coopering skills and more modern mechanical techniques used in coopering.The Dundashill Cooperage produces 82,500 casks each year and among the staff are four apprentice coopers learning the skills at the on-site apprentice school.Dundashill is one of two cooperages which Diageo – makers of Johnnie Walker, J&B and Bell’s Scotch Whiskies – operates.The other is at Carsebridge, near Alloa, where a further eight apprentices are currently learning the craft.As well as building casks the teams at both sites also repair and rejuvenate casks.The Earl Of Wessex also attended the inaugural Earl of Wessex Awards for Cooperage, held by the Incorporation of Coopers at the Trades Hall in Glasgow.Addressing the gathering of coopers and industry representatives, the Earl of Wessex described coopering as a “fantastic and genuine skill” saying “long may it continue.”