About Us

Ian’s grandparents, John and Elizabeth (Cissie) Macdonald, came from Airdrie, a small town east of Glasgow, and the birthplace of Ian’s father. Ian grew up looking forward to Cissie’s shortbread each Christmas and Hogmanay. Cissie passed her recipe to Ian’s mother, Peggy, who kept the tradition alive and later shared it with her children. That same family recipe is still used to make The Scottish Shortbread Company’s shortbread today.

Before starting The Scottish Shortbread Company, Ian owned a sign restoration business. After completing a job, he often thanked customers with a package of shortbread baked from his grandmother’s recipe. The response was so enthusiastic that several people encouraged him to sell the shortbread. Ian followed their advice and contacted The Windmill Farm and Craft Market about setting up a booth—where The Scottish Shortbread Company’s retail adventure began.

In the early years, Ian and Maggie baked from their certified home kitchen. As they expanded into Scottish festivals, Christmas shows, and local events, they needed more space. They found the right location just six minutes from home in Ian’s hometown of Webster, where they still produce small batches using Cissie’s techniques. The site also includes a retail outlet for local customers to buy shortbread and other Scottish gifts and treats.