The former director of Walker’s Shortbread has died on December 15 at the age of 80. Sir James Nicol Walker, known as Jim, was born in Elgin on June 13, 1944. He joined the family business in 1962 and received a Knighthood in 2022 for services to the food industry. He had recently stepped aside to an ambassadorial and advisory role, as the family business transitioned into the fourth generation leadership, with his three children at the helm.

Walker’s Shortbread was founded by his grandfather, Joseph Walker, in 1898. Jim Walker saw the bakery become an international exporter.

After completing his education at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen, Jim Walker joined the family bakery alongside a workforce of 16 people.  He was the company’s first salesperson. “For over 60 years, he dedicated his life to creating and building the iconic Walker’s brand across the world.  Jim was incredibly hard working; he was devoted to building strong personal relationships founded on trust with those he met on his travels.  Many of these became enduring partnerships, lasting decades,” the company shared in an announcement. 

Together with his brother Joe, he developed the business from a small family bakery in Aberlour to a globally recognized brand, with GBP 184 m of turnover in 2023. Jim Walker was awarded the CBE for services to industry in 1999. In 2022, he was named within the prestigious Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood in Queen Elizabeth II’s last Birthday Honors list, in recognition of exceptional services to the food industry. 

“He will always be remembered as a devoted, energetic and kind man who was an inspiration to many who knew him. We will honor his memory by continuing to uphold the values and legacy he built over a lifetime of dedication,” the family business shared.

Photo: Walker’s Shortbread