Sean Murphy — Scottish Daily Record
Running all the way from further south than Newcastle on the southern tip of Dumfries and Galloway to the far reaches of the Orkney Isles, there are now over 130 single malt whisky distilleries in Scotland.
Though many may be built with functionality in mind, there are plenty more that welcome visitors and look good while doing so.
As pleasing on the eye as any majestic castle or grand country mansion, there are loads of beautiful Scottish whisky distilleries to check out this autumn.
From traditional stone buildings with beautiful gardens to modern design masterpieces – here are some of the most picturesque that also offer some great tours.
Clydeside Distillery, Glasgow, Lowlands
This visually pleasing distillery was recently built in a former pump house on the banks on the River Clyde.
With its strikingly renovated clocktower, externally visible stills and extensive visitor centre, Clydeside Distillery is an excellent addition to Scotland’s biggest city.
With a great tourist offering including plenty of tours -including a delicious sounding chocolate and whisky tasting – a cafe, shop and even a museum, it’s just a short walk from the city centre making it well worth a visit for any whisky fan who happen to be in Glasgow.
Lindores Abbey Distillery, Newburgh, Lowlands
Built close to the spiritual home of Scotch whisky, where the earliest written reference to Scotch whisky was recorded, this exciting new distillery in Fife is a perfect addition to the area.
Picturesque and modern, it sits proudly as one of the best looking of the new crop of whisky distilleries.
Open 7 days a week, 10am – 4pm, with three tours a day, Lindores Abbey is the ideal place to learn all about how their incredible new spirit is made with Cheese, Charcuterie, Mixed or Vegan Cheese platters on offer and well-behaved dogs also allowed.
Lagg Distillery, Isle of Arran
Following its successful stablemate in the north of the island, Lagg is the second and newest distillery on Arran.
Featuring an intriguing design, stunning interior and unrivalled views across the Irish Sea, its another great reason to visit this wonderful little island.
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 to 17.30, this innovative new distillery is another with a focus on tourism, and as well as the stunning views and informative tours has no less than two enticing eateries.
Ardnahoe Distillery, Islay
With nine distilleries and an abundance of beautiful scenery, a trip to Islay is always memorable.
Standing proud on the north west coast of Scotland’s ‘whisky island’, this state of the art distillery has one of the best views from any still house we’ve seen.
The Ardnahoe Team really know how to please with a range of tours including food and whisky pairings, blending sessions and warehouse tastings.
Strathisla Distillery, Keith, Speyside
Always one of the first names on these lists, Strathisla is the jewel in owner Chivas’ crown.
One of the oldest continuously operating malt distillery in the Highlands, the double pagoda, water wheel and neatly manicured gardens combine to great effect to frame this picturesque stone building, which hides a newly renovated and stylish interior.
It’s also home to some of the best tours and experiences owners Chivas have to offer.
Edradour Distillery, Pitlochry, Highlands
They do say that good things come in small packages and in Edradour, one of the country’s smallest distilleries that statement is certainly true.
Not only does it produce great whisky but with its white washed walls, white picket fences and flowing stream its wonderful to look at too.
With hourly tours, a well-stocked shop and plenty to see and do, it’s definitely worth making the trip for.
Macallan Distillery, Aberlour, Speyside
Dubbed the ‘Cathedral of Whisky’, the newly built Macallan Distillery is an architectural marvel. Not entirely loved by traditionalists, we believe it deserves to be on the list due to its incredible design and the fact it truly is unique.
The £140 million state-of-the-art distillery is ‘cut into the slope of the landscape’ of the hill site on the Easter Elchies Estate (where the original distillery stood) overlooking the river Spey, and is inspired by “ancient Scottish earthworks”.
The distillery offers a range of tours as well as interactive exhibits that enhance the whole experience.
Blair Athol Distillery, Pitlochry, Highlands
Adding ivy into the mix for any external facings of your building is always going to make it more pleasing on the eye and in Blair Athol, they’ve created something special with the plant framing their name.
This exciting little distillery in Pitlochry is hugely popular with tourists and it’s easy to see why.
Raasay Distillery, Isle of Raasay, Highlands
Bringing whisky distilling back to this small and stunning beautiful island, which is situated off the east coast of Skye, in 2017, the Isle of Raasay Distillery is well worth a visit.
Set within stunningly picturesque surroundings, the distillery was built by R&B Distillers, bringing the island’s disused Gothic villa hotel, Borodale House back to life and creating a visitor centre and accommodation for visiting fans.