Is Edinburgh becoming a whisky wonderland?

Edinburgh might be known as a gin-lovers destination but there are some newer, bigger, whisky contenders coming to town to give the gin distilleries a run for their money.

Most recently,  Port of Leith Distillery has finally had the go ahead on their proposals for an impressive development on the shore.

“The building is going to be a remarkable new landmark in the harbour,” says Ian Stirling, founder of Port of Leith Distillery. “The bottom half will be about production, with the equipment (mash tun, washbacks and stills) all laid out vertically. Above that, we will have our offices, shop, tasting rooms, kitchens, and then an amazing double height bar/ restaurant on the top floors with views across Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth and over to Fife. All being well, we should open at the beginning  of 2021.”

And they’re not the only ones with big plans. The Chain Pier Distillery in Granton will soon open a new whisky distillery in Bonnington and the capital’s first single malt whisky distillery in 90 years, Holyrood Distillery, opens this month on St Leonard’s Lane. The new attraction and working distillery promises a hands-on, sensory and educational experience.

But the one we’re really excited about comes from drinks giant Diageo, who is busy transforming one of Edinburgh’s most important landmark buildings into a global visitor experience for Johnnie Walker in the former House of Fraser at 146 Princes Street. The multi-storey, multi-sensory, immersive visitor experience will guide people through the 200-year history of the brand, the art and science of whisky-making, and take them on a journey through the flavours of Scotland. There’s also plans for rooftop bars with views of the castle and city skyline. Sounds like the perfect place to rediscover our love for Scotland’s national spirit.