The Land

of Whisky

A visitor guide to one of

Scotlands five whisky regions.

Lowland

Whisky
The practice of distilling whisky
has been lovingly perfected
throughout Scotland for centuries
and began as a way of turning
rain-soaked barley into a drinkable
spirit, using the fresh water
from Scotlands crystal-clear
springs, streams and burns.
To this day, distilleries across the
country continue the tradition
of using pure spring water from
the same sources that have been
used for centuries.
From the source of the water and
the shape of the still to the wood
of the cask used to mature the
spirit, there are many factors that
make Scotch whisky so
wonderfully different and varied
from distillery to distillery.

No two are the same; each has

its own proud heritage, unique
setting and its own way of doing
things that has evolved and been
refined over time. Paying a visit to
a distillery lets you discover more
about the environment and the
people who shape the taste of the
Scotch whisky you enjoy. So, when
youre sitting back and relaxing
with a dram of our most famous
export at the end of your distillery
tour, youll be appreciating the
essence of Scotland as it swirls
in your glass.
Home to the greatest concentration
of distilleries in the world, Scotland
is divided into five distinct
whisky regions. These are Islay,
Speyside, Highland, Lowland and
Campbeltown.

Find out more information about whisky, how its made,

what foods to pair it with and more:

www.visitscotland.com/whisky

For more information on travelling in Scotland:

www.visitscotland.com/travel
Search and book accommodation:

www.visitscotland.com/accommodation

EDEN MILL
DAFTMILL
KINGBARNS

CAMERONBRIDGE

AUCHENTOSHAN
NORTH BRITISH

STRATHCLYDE

GLENKINCHIE
STARLAW

AILSA BAY
GIRVAN

ANNANDALE

Lowland
With miles of rolling farmland and
neat woodlands, the Lowlands
is one of the most charming and
accessible whisky regions in
Scotland. Encompassing the great
cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow,
as well as the historic Kingdom of
Fife, the Lowlands reaches from the
invisible Highland/Lowland divide,
down to the Scottish Borders and
Dumfries & Galloway, and out west
to Ayrshire & Arran.

also home to five of the countrys

seven high-volume grain distilleries,
which, although they arent open
to the public, continue to produce
the grain whiskies that are used in
some of the worlds most famous
whisky blends.

Take advantage of the Lowlands

great transport links to go on a
tour of the regions diverse single
malt distilleries. Learn about the
skill behind creating a brand-new
Boasting a mild climate and flat
single malt at a newly-opened
farmland, the Lowlands is an ideal
artisan distillery, or visit one of the
region for growing barley, and,
areas long established distilleries
consequently, for producing whisky. to discover more about Lowland
The region is famous for producing whisky production in times gone
light, traditionally unpeated
past, tour their famous buildings
whiskies that are renowned for
and sample a delicious dram.
their sweet, grassy notes and
gentle style, earning them the
While youre in the region, why not
affectionate nickname the Lowland pop into the A.D. Rattray Whisky
Ladies.
Experience in Kirkoswald, to nose
and taste an incredible selection of
Although many of the Lowlands
malts, fill your own bottle straight
historic distilleries went into decline from a cask or book a delicious
in the 18th and 19th centuries
whisky tasting session? You could
following the rise in the popularity
also learn about the whisky making
of blended whisky, which favoured process on a terrific barrel ride at
more robust single malts, a few
the Scotch Whisky Experience,
long-established single malt
located on the historic Royal Mile in
distilleries still remain open today
Edinburgh, where youll also learn
and continue to produce classic
about the different whisky regions
Lowland malts that are hugely
and see the largest collection of
popular for their fresh flavours
whisky in the world.
and gentle style.
Read on to learn more about
In recent years, several brandthe Lowlands wonderful whisky
new distilleries have opened their
distilleries and plan your trip
doors too, and the Lowlands are
around the area.

BLADNOCH

Be sure to check out our guides for the other four whisky regions:

Campbeltown, Islay, Highland and Speyside.

www.visitscotland.com/distilleries-guides

Ailsa Bay
Distillery

Auchentoshan
Distillery

LOCATION

Tours available

Girvan, Ayrshire.

LOCATION

OVERVIEW

By Dalmuir, Clydebank, Glasgow.

Ailsa Bay Distillery is owned by

William Grant & Sons and was
named after Ailsa Craig, a rocky
island just off the Ayrshire coast.
It was opened in 2007 to supply
single malt whisky for the popular
blended whisky Grants.

HOW TO GET THERE

Not open to the public

OTHER NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS
Ailsa Craig
McKechnie Institute
A.D. Rattray Whisky
Experience
Kirkoswald, Ayrshire
Arran Distillery Arran
Annandale Distillery
Dumfries & Galloway

Annandale
Distillery
Tours available
LOCATION
Annan, Dumfries & Galloway.
HOW TO GET THERE
It is easy to get to from the main
arterial road into Scotland, the
M74. Take junction 22 and drive
along the A75 to Annan where
the distillery will be signposted.
Alternatively, you can also exit
the M74 at junction 20 and
take the B722 all the way to the
distillery gates.
OVERVIEW
Like many other distilleries before
it, Annandale was mothballed
and consigned to the history

where the spirit is passed through

three separate whisky stills before
being transferred to the cask. Visit
Auchentoshan to discover more
about how they produce their
unique single malts, and marvel at
the strong notes of fruit and citrus
in their delicately smooth whisky.

books. That is, until a couple of

whisky enthusiasts decided to
resurrect the distillery and rebuild
it from its derelict and crumbling
remains. Originally established
back in 1830, the distillery finally
re-opened its doors in November
2014 and has started to make its
first whisky in nearly 100 years.

OPENING TIMES

Local history is at the heart of

the new distillerys identity. Its
signature malts, Man OSword
and Man OWords, are named
after two national heroes with
local connections; Scottish king
Robert the Bruce and poet Robert
Burns respectively. The Bruce
was 7th Lord of Annandale while
Burns resided in Dumfries up
until his premature death. Annan
was also once an established
port of emigration for many Scots
to the New World. As a tribute,
the distillerys branding has
incorporated a sail in the letter A
in Annandale.

WHERE TO BUY

Visitors can learn more about

the distillerys rebirth on various
tours, including special tours with
the distillery manager Malcolm
Rennie or by appointment with the
distillery owner Professor David
Thomson.

Open all year around, except

Christmas and New Years Day.
SAMPLE
Man OSword and Man OWords
not yet released but Rascally
Liquor (new-make spirit)
available.

Situated on the A82 between

Glasgow and Loch Lomond,
Auchentoshan is easy to get to
by car. You could also take the
train from Glasgow Queen Street
out to Kilpatrick and walk to the
distillery from there. The walk only
takes around 20 minutes, though
be sure to use a map so you dont
get lost as the roads around this
area can be busy.
OVERVIEW
Established in 1823, Auchentoshan
Distillery is famously the only
distillery in Scotland to practice the
art of triple distillation, a process

With seven tours on offer, ranging

in price from 6 for The Classic
Tour to 200 for the exclusive
Behind Closed Doors tour,
Auchentoshan has plenty of whisky
experiences for you to choose
from.
For something a little bit different
book onto The Story of Oak tour
and discover how the distillerys
carefully selected casks act as
key influencers on the flavour of
the finished whisky. Priced at 35
this tour provides a great insight
into the importance of the whisky
cask, and youll be given four
of Auchentoshans remarkable
whiskies to taste, as well as a

As the distillery only re-opened in

2014, its first single malts will need
to mature for at least three years.
They are widely expected to be
available from 2018. New-make
spirit is now on sale online and
from the distillery shop.
OTHER NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS
Gretna Green Famous
Blacksmiths Shop
7stanes
The Globe Inn in Dumfries
Andy Goldsworthys
Striding Arches
Cream oGalloway Dairy Co.
Wigtown Book Town

Annandale Distillery at night

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sample from one of their specially

selected single malt casks
OPENING TIMES
Seven days a week, from
10:00 till 17:00
SAMPLE
Auchentoshan American Oak
Auchentoshan Three Wood
Auchentoshan 12 Year Old
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old
Auchentoshan 21 Year Old
WHERE TO BUY
Most major retailers and online.
OTHER NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS
Glengoyne Distillery
Deanston Distillery
A.D. Rattray Whisky Experience
Titan Crane
Clydebank Museum
Dumbarton Castle
Auchentoshan Distillery

Bladnoch
Distillery
LOCATION
Near Wigtown, Dumfries &
Galloway.
HOW TO GET THERE
Scotlands most southerly distillery
is found nestled deep in the
scenic landscape beside the
River Bladnoch near Wigtown in
Dumfries and Galloway.
OVERVIEW

WHERE TO BUY
The Bladnoch distillery shop is
currently open or buy online
OTHER NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS
Annandale Distillery
Creetown Gem Rock Museum
Cardoness Castle
The Whithorn Story
Cally Gardens

Cameronbridge
Distillery

Established in 1817 by John and

Thomas McClelland, Bladnoch was
LOCATION
blessed by surrounding farmland
Leven, Fife.
and rich barley to utilse in the
whisky-making process.
OVERVIEW
The distillery has changed hands
over the years, and is currently
seeking a new owner.
(Shop is open, currently no tours)
SAMPLE
Bladnoch 10 Year Old
Bladnoch 16 Year Old First Cask
Bladnoch 22 Year Old
Mackillops Choice

Cameronbridge is the largest

grain distillery in Scotland. Now
owned by Diageo, this distillerys
origin dates back to 1824 when it
was built by John Haig. Two years
later, it pioneered the column still
method of distillation, where the
still has two columns. In 1877 John
Haig & Co merged with five other
whisky companies to form the
Distillers Company.

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WHERE TO BUY
In the late 1980 and early 1990s,
the distiller underwent some
major renovations, when the
grain distillery switched to a
multipurpose site, producing white
and other spirits. Another major
overhaul took place in 2000 and
today, Gordons gin, Tanqueray
Gins, Smirnoff, Pimms and Archers
are produced on the site. The
grain spirit is used in blended
whiskies including Johnnie Walker,
Bells, Haig Gold Whisky and Black
& White.
Recently, the Diageo have
released Haig Club Single Grain
Scotch Whisky, which is produced
at Cameronbridge. Its packaged
in a distinctive-looking square blue
bottle, and the television advert
was directed by Guy Ritchie and
starred former footballer and
celebrity David Beckham.
Not open to the public
SAMPLE

Retailers and online

OTHER NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS
Eden Brewery, St Andrews
St Andrews Farmhouse
Cheese, Pittenweem
Cairnie Fruit Farm, Cupar
Balgove Larder,
near St Andrews

Daftmill
Distillery
Private Tours
LOCATION

which, due to the unusual lay of

the land, appears to be running
upstream. The whisky-making
operation at Daftmill however, set
against the distant, mist shrouded
peaks of West Lomond, is
anything but.
A family enterprise, Daftmill is
run by the farms owners, the
Cuthberts, who have been
growing malting barley in the
Howe of Fife for six generations
and have a true understanding of
the patience and craftsmanship an
outstanding malt demands. Using
its own un-peated barley, Daftmill
is housed inside a beautifully
preserved 18th century barn, and
draws its crystal-clear water from
an artesian well on the premises.

Daftmill is currently not open to

public and doesnt have visitor
facilities. However, it may be
possible to arrange private tours
for small groups by appointment.
Visit the site to get in touch.
OTHER NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS
Hill of Tarvit
The Scottish Deer Centre
Eden Mill Distillery
Balmerino Abbey

By Cupar, Fife.
OVERVIEW
Daftmill is around a decade-old,
making it Scotlands newest and
smallest malt whisky distillery. The
distillery and the farm owe their
daft names to the nearby burn

Producing just 20,000 litres of spirit

a year, Daftmills whisky is waiting
to be bottled for sale. Youll have
to wait a wee while yet before
pouring a dram of this ruby-red, fullbodied sherried whisky as it quietly
matures in old bourbon casks.

Haig Gold Label

Haig Dimple
Haig Club Single Grain Scotch
Whisky
Johnnie Walker Black Label

Bladnoch Distillery

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Eden Mill
Distillery
Tours available on request
LOCATION
St Andrews, Fife.
HOW TO GET THERE
Travel by car along the A91
or A915
OVERVIEW
Visit one of Scotlands smallest
(and newest) whisky, beer
and gin producers all at one
location! Eden Mill Distillery was
opened in 2014 and has already
begun filling casks with the new
signature whisky, a lovely, lightly
peated coastal Highland style.
The distillery is unashamedly
small, only racking eight barrels
of whisky a week, but this means
that they can give every drop all
the care and attention a true craft
whisky deserves.
Visit Eden Mill to discover how
they craft their artisan whisky.
Explore the distillery and brewery
with your knowledgeable guide
before enjoying something
delicious to drink in the verdant
courtyard garden.
OPENING TIMES
Open all year though tours should
be booked in advance.
WHERE TO BUY
Online
OTHER NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS
Kingsbarns Distillery
St Andrews Cathedral
St Andrews Botanic Gardens
St Andrews Aquarium

Girvan
Distillery
LOCATION
Girvan, Ayrshire.
OVERVIEW
Located on the outskirts of the
lovely seaside town of Girvan,
Girvan Distillery was built in 1963
by William Grant & Sons to supply
grain whisky for their popular
blends. Bottles of its single grain
whisky have been released and
are also available under the Black
Barrel label.
Not open to the public
SAMPLE
Grants
Black Barrel
Girvan Patent Still Proof Strength
Girvan Patent Still No. 4 apps
WHERE TO BUY
Bottles of Grants can be bought
from most major retailers while
bottles of single grain whisky can
be bought online.
OTHER NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS
Ailsa Craig
McKechnie Institute
A.D. Rattray Whisky
Experience, Kirkoswald,
Ayrshire
Arran Distillery, Arran
Annandale Distillery, Dumfries
& Galloway
Stumpy Tower
Crossraguel Abbey

The still room at Eden Mill Distillery

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Glenkinchie
Distillery
Tours available
LOCATION
Pencaitland, East Lothian.
HOW TO GET THERE
Travel by car along the A1 to the
distillery, located just 30 minutes
from Edinburgh. The distillery also
runs daily minibus services from
Edinburgh city centre, starting
at 20 per person for the return
transport, tour and free tasting.
OVERVIEW
Enjoy charming views of lush East
Lothian farmland on a visit to one
of Scotlands most famous lowland
distilleries. Located south east of
Edinburgh, Glenkinchie Distillerys
signature style of whisky light,
sweet and malty certainly
contributes towards the lowlands
reputation for producing a softer
style of whisky and has been a
key component in blends, such as
Haigs, Dimple and Dewars, since
the distillery was founded.
Visit the distillery for a unique
insight into how they craft their
single malts using the pure
water drawn from the nearby
Lammermuir Hills. Begin your tour
in the distillerys exhibition, housed
on the original malting floors, and
see the renowned model distillery,
before you join your guide on an
in depth tour around the distillery
buildings, learning about the
whisky making process along the
way. Finish your tour in the bar

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with a free sample of Glenkinchies

light, fruity and dry Edinburgh Malt.
Tours begin at 8 for a standard
adult ticket on the Glenkinchie
Tour, which includes one free
tasting, or you could opt for the
Flavour of Scotland Tour, which
is priced at 12 and includes a
number of free samples from
both Glenkinchie Distillery and
other malt whisky distilleries from
around Scotland.
Glenkinchie Distillery also offer
an excellent shuttle bus service
to and from Edinburgh city centre,
priced at 20 for the return
transport and Glenkinchie Tour or
24 for the return transport and
Flavour of Scotland Tour.
OPENING TIMES
Open 7 days a week though
opening times vary.
SAMPLE
Glenkinchie 12 year old
Glenkinchie Distillers Edition
WHERE TO BUY
Most major retailers and online.
OTHER NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS
Crichton Castle, Crichton
Museum of Flight, East Fortune
Dirleton Castle, North Berwick
Scottish Seabird Centre,
North Berwick
The Scotch Whisky Experience,
Edinburgh

Glenkinchie Distillery

Kingbarns
Distillery

surrounding estate have been in

the business for nearly 200 years,
both producing high quality grains
and independently bottling spirits.

Check out the caf too, and make

sure youre prepared to try out
the putting green in the summer
months.

North British Starlaw

Distillery
Distillery

Strathclyde
Distillery

Tours available

Driven by the imagination and

spirit of Douglas Clement, who
was once a golf caddy at the
nearby course, Kingbarns Distillery
is now up and running. The first
spirits have been distilled into
casks and most will be ready by
2018 at the earliest, when they will
have matured for three years and
a day, the minimum amount of time
required for a single malt Scotch
whisky.

OPENING TIMES

LOCATION

LOCATION

LOCATION

Open daily from April to

September between 10am and
6pm (5pm October to March).

Edinburgh.

Bathgate, Livingston, West Lothian.

Glasgow.

OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

North British Distillery is one of

Scotlands largest grain whisky
manufacturers. Founded in 1885,
the distillerys grain whisky is a key
component in many world-famous
blends, including The Famous
Grouse, J&B Rare, Johnnie Walker
Black Label and Cutty Sark.
Not open to the public

One of the newest to be opened

in Scotland, Starlaw Distillery first
began producing grain whisky
in 2011. It is sometimes referred
to as the Glen Turner Distillery,
Glen Turner being a subsidiary of
the French parent company, La
Martiniquais - makers of Label 5
and Sir Edwards whisky, popular
blended whiskies in France.

SAMPLE

Not open to the public

The Famous Grouse

J&B Rare
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Cutty Sark

OTHER NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS

The Strathclyde Distillery is a

grain distillery, which produces
large amounts of grain whisky
to be used in blends on Moffat
Street in Glasgow. Like most
grain distilleries, Strathclyde is
classed as a Lowlands distillery.
It has no official bottlings, only a
few cask strength bottles have
been produced independently.
The water source is Loch Katrine,
a freshwater loch placed within
the remarkable landscapes of the
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
National Park.

LOCATION
Near Kingsbarns, Fife.
HOW TO GET THERE
Kingbarns Distillery & Visitor
Centre is on East Newhall Farm on
the A917, just outside the village of
Kingbarns in Fife. It is served by a
regular local bus service.
OVERVIEW

Book a tour to explore the journey

of a very new distillery from the
initial dream to the impending
dram. Start your tour in the historic
Doocot Visitor Centre to see the
very first cask which was filled,
see the whisky making process,
enjoy a tasting, and perhaps even
The whisky may be new, but its
sample the new make spirit - a
not without heritage the Wemyss work in progress of the light, fruity
family who own the distillery and
whisky to come.
Travel to these unassuming
renovated farm buildings to
witness something new and
exciting in the world of whisky
Kingbarns Distillery, established
in 2014.

SAMPLE
Not yet released, early casks
available to buy soon.
OTHER NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS
Kingbarns Golf Links
Cambo Gardens
Crail Museum and Heritage
Centre
St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese
Company
St Andrews Cathedral

WHERE TO BUY
Most major retailers and online
Kingsbarns Distillery

OTHER NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS
Glenkinchie Distillery,
Pencaitland
The Scotch Whisky
Experience, Edinburgh
Scottish National Gallery of
Modern Art, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Gin Distillery,
Edinburgh

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Edinburgh Castle
National Museum of Scotland
Royal Yacht Britannia
Glenkinchie Distillery
Royal Botanic Garden
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Scottish Parliament
Falkirk Wheel
The Helix/Kelpies
Linlithgow Palace

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Not open to the public.

OTHER NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS
The Pot Still
Dram!
The Scotia Bar
Glasgow Green
Peoples Palace & Winter
Gardens
Tron Theatre

Be sure to check out our guides

for the other four regions.

Driving around Scotland is a great way to see more of the country but before you head
out exploring by car, there are a few rules and regulations you should be aware of:
www.visitscotland.com/travel/information/driving-in-scotland
Drink responsibly: find useful information about drinking: www.drinksmarter.org
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