CONTRACTOR ISG has been appointed to deliver Edinburgh’s first single malt whisky distillery in 90 years.
The £5.8 million scheme for Newmake Limited is situated close to the Scottish Parliament building. The new 12,379 sq. ft. distillery and visitor centre near Holyrood Park will see ISG reconfigure an existing three-storey former railway goods warehouse to create a full-height distillery to the rear and three floors of store rooms and offices to the front elevation.
A steel-framed extension, which incorporates the existing traditional stone masonry wall fronting St Leonard’s Lane, will house a new visitor centre and shop. Designed by architects 7N, the two-storey building is to be clad in charred timber, to reflect the seasoning of the barrels through the whisky production process.
The stills, housed in the refurbished Category-B listed building, will be powered by a new single-storey plant room to the rear, with ISG also carrying out hard and soft landscaping as part of the contract.
Rob Carpenter, co-founder of Holyrood Distillery said, “We were aware of ISG’s extensive experience in the whisky industry and couldn’t have found a better partner for the delivery of our new venture in Edinburgh.
“During the construction period we are offering people a taste of what will be on offer when the new distillery opens, with our ‘flavour first’ focus brought to life with prototype gins and liqueurs available for trial and purchase.
“We believe Holyrood’s progressive approach to playing with flavours, ingredients, distilling processes and maturation will set it apart.”
Andy McLinden, managing director for ISG’s North and Scotland business said, “Drinks manufacturing in Scotland has a global reputation for excellence and ISG has played an important role in delivering the infrastructure to ensure the growing international demand for premium beverages is matched with the right capability.
“Our latest win is a great addition to the vibrant niche drinks manufacturing scene within Edinburgh and will undoubtedly become a highly popular tourist destination in 2019 and beyond.”
ISG’s portfolio in this industry sector across Scotland includes a large number of schemes for a global drinks manufacturer, as well as a £5 million expansion project at Bruichladdich Distillery on the Isle of Islay.
