Benbecula Distillery is a Scotch whisky distillery at Gramsdale on the Isle of Benbecula, Outer Hebrides, Scotland.[1] Developed in a converted salmon-processing plant, the site produced its first spirit in June 2024.[2] The project, founded by islander Angus A MacMillan, includes a glass, lighthouse-style stillroom – echoing the Stevenson Lighthouse on nearby Shillay, Monach Islands[3] – and revives a 19th-century single-malt recipe described by Alfred Barnard.[4] Coverage cites an expected annual capacity of about 350,000 litres of alcohol.[5] It has received support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise[6] as well as from the British Business Bank's Investment Fund for Scotland, with the fund's first investment into the Scottish Highlands and Islands.[7][8]
Plans for a distillery at Gramsdale were announced in 2020 by the Uist Distilling Company, with proposals for single malt whisky, rum and gin production and a visitor facility.[9][10] In 2022 the Uist Distilling Company changed its name to MacMillan Spirits Co Ltd.[11]
Facilities and production
The distillery occupies a converted industrial site at the northern end of Benbecula.[12] The glass extension houses the copper pot still and the design is the work of Organic Architects.[13][14] Construction was led by local contractor MacInnes Brothers,[15] and equipment was sourced from within the Highlands and Islands.[16] Production uses locally sourced ingredients including bere barley grown on crofts on Benbecula, fertilised with seaweed, with local peat and heather used in the process.[17] Early reports describe an intended "classically maritime" spirit profile.[18] Maturation is in bourbon and sherry wood.[19] Private cask sales will only be available in the first three years of production.[20] First bottling and availability of the whisky is expected in 2029.[21]
People
Founder Angus A MacMillan led the project with distiller Brendan McCarron engaged in production.[22][23]
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