Take A Trip Around Scotland’s Whisky Distilleries

If you need a holiday, then have you considered a coach trip around Scotland, now that the country has eased its lockdown measures, and the hospitality industry is welcoming tourists and visitors again.

There are always plenty of attractions, sites, and activities to keep you busy in Scotland, but one must-do activity is to conduct a tour of the country’s incredible whisky distilleries.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has stated that Scotland’s whisky distilleries greeted a record number of visitors in 2018, rising over two million for the first time. Now that companies such as Diageo and Distell are investing heavily in tourism, no whisky fan should miss a trip to many of the newly upgraded visitor centres and attractions on offer.

We have a brief guide to the distilleries that have reopened for tours. All the distilleries advise visitors to pre-book their visit, and there will be enhanced hygiene and checks on-site, as well as the mandatory requirement for face masks.

Aberfeldy Distillery, Perthshire, Highlands

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery reopened in July, and the Perthshire distillery is offering a range of pre-bookable experiences, including their three extensive tours, interactive heritage museum and shop.

Blair Athol Distillery, Pitlochry

This is one of Scotland’s most picturesque distilleries and has always been a huge attraction for tourists, and owners Diageo have confirmed that it is now re-open for tours.

Oban Distillery, Oban, Highlands

As with sister site Blair Athol, Oban has re-opened with safety measures in place, and limited capacity tours of this excellent distillery, which takes pride of place in the centre of the coastal town.

Lindores Abbey, Fife, Lowlands

This is an exciting new distillery, built close to the spiritual home of Scotch whisky, where the earliest known written reference to whisky in Scotland was recorded. Lindores Abbey has now re-opened for tours, albeit with limited numbers.

The Courtyard Bar is also open on Fridays (11 am – 9 pm), and Saturdays and Sundays (11 am-4 pm), although pre-booking is essential.

The GlenDronach, Forgue, near Huntly

The GlenDronach is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries and has not only reopened for tours but also recently renovated its visitor centre.

The new retail experience includes a selection of two distillery-exclusive Hand Fills which give GlenDronach connoisseurs a rare opportunity to personally fill, seal, label and sign their own cask-strength bottle of The GlenDronach from a choice of two sherry casks.

The distillery now also offers a new 90-minute sherry masterclass tasting experience, designed for the whisky curious and experienced connoisseurs alike.

Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, Hunmanby, North Yorkshire

If Scotland is a bit of a trek, or you’re wanting to find something a bit closer for a weekend trip, then the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery in Hunmanby might be ideal.

The distillery recently released its fourth whisky, called Filey Bay STR Finish, following the success of Filey Bay first and second releases in 2019, and Filey Bay Moscatel Finish, earlier this year.

If you need luxury minibus hire for a whisky trip around Scotland, get in touch today!