It all began in a garage

“Imagine what my parents thought when, after following in their footsteps into a career in teaching, I quit my job to start a brewery in their garage… I still use a whiteboard, but it’s all about beer these days!”

Conall Low - Founder

Founded in 2016, Wasted Degrees is owned by two local brothers, Conall and Jack Low, both former pupils of Pitlochry High School and Breadalbane Academy.

The brewery produces craft beer from its 100% renewables powered brewhouse in Blair Atholl, often using raw materials from the local area.

Underpinned by a strong sense of social & environmental responsibility, the team is very driven by the impact they can have on the local area, creating job opportunities and doing what they can for the local community, such as providing free period products at the brewery in an effort to tackle rural period poverty.

It’s clearly about more than just the beer for them.

Our Team

  • Conall Low

    I’ve been with Wasted Degrees from the beginning and started it all, leaving my degree and day job behind in the process. Since then we’ve scaled up a few times, shipped beer across the UK and found a new home in Blair Atholl.

    In my free time I can be found chasing after my dog Benji, continuing his socialisation training at the pub, and nodding politely when my significant other suggests that we do more DIY at our flat.

    Favourite beer style: a hazy, hoppy number.

    [photo credit: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson]

  • Jack Low

    I joined the brewery as co-owner in late-2021, coming from my previous role as International Business Development Manager for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

    I recently moved back to my hometown of Pitlochry to concentrate on growing the brewery.

    My background is in commercial & product development. A beer, whisky and hiking geek, when I’m not at the brewery you’ll find me obsessing over my collection of Chimay Blue vintages, nosing a dram or on the hills.

    Favourite Beer Style: BA Stout

    [photo credit: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson]

  • Andrew MacNeilage

    I grew up on the North West coast, and for most of my working life I’ve been on boats in one form or another. At 38, when the opportunity came to move south and take a job at Wasted Degrees it was now or never. So, myself, my girlfriend and our dog Cooper moved to Perth in 2021 and I’ve been learning how to brew from Conall.

    Outside of work, I’ve recently gotten into running and completed my first half marathon. over the next year, I intend to run at least one ultra marathon too!!!

    Favourite Beer Style: 80 Shilling please

    [photo credit: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson]

“Each component of the brewhouse has its own story”

Our brewhouse and cellarside tanks are a hodge podge from various manufacturers and countries. 60 years separates our oldest & newest kit!

Our Brite beer tank for example is 1960’s British made and sits in stark contrast to our brand new, UK designed & manufactured canning line!

It’s similar to owning a multitude of mobile phones from various manufacturers. Each with its own style of fitting and story of how it came into our possession. Join us for a tour to learn more!