GIN Bothy has unveiled more detailed plans for its new whisky distillery, set within a historic sporting estate in Glen Prosen, Angus which is owned by Forestry and Land Scotland.
The estate once formed part of a whisky smuggling route in the 19th century. A planning application has been submitted to revitalise the site.
Gin Bothy is an award-winning craft gin producer. Founded by Kim Cameron, the distillery marks a new chapter for the brand as it expands into whisky distillation.
Designed by Organic Architects, the distillery will repurpose a steading that was previously used for storage and garages by Forestry and Land Scotland. The new design is said to make the most of the existing structure, only making external alterations where necessary and preserving the ‘understated’ look of the building.
Bari Reid, director at Organic Architects, said, “It has been great to work with Gin Bothy on this unique project, bringing new life to a historic site and learning more about the fascinating history of whisky smuggling in the area. Our approach focuses on preserving the character of the original building, ensuring the distillery seamlessly blends into its mountainous surroundings. We aimed to create a space that not only produces exceptional whisky for Gin Bothy’s first venture into Scotch but also nestles into the local landscape and community.”
Kim Cameron, director and founder of Gin Bothy, added, “This is an exciting milestone for Bothy Trading as we take our passion for Scottish spirits and local produce into whisky production. The history of the site, once part of an old whisky smuggling route, makes this project even more special. Working with Organic Architects, we are committed to revitalising this incredible location with care and purpose to create a distillery that honours the past, brings legal distilling to the area, and supports the future of our rural community.”
To minimise the environmental and traffic impact, the distillery will be open by appointment only, ensuring a tailored experience for visitors. The Bothy Distillery will offer an ‘immersive whisky retreat’ experience and will run on hydroelectricity and use sustainable waste removal processes.
With the visitor centre set to welcome guests in July and production commencing in August to produce 300 casks in its first year, the distillery is tipped to become a new ‘landmark’ in Scotland’s whisky landscape.
