Glencadam Distillery breaks ground on new visitor centre

One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, Glencadam, has begun work to develop a new visitor centre at its site in Brechin, Angus.

Dating back to 1825, the new visitor centre will pay homage to its heritage wit an exhibition space showcasing the history of the East Highland distillery and its surroundings.

The visitor centre will also house a retail space and tasting rooms, as well as a whisky lounge, café and function suite for corporate hospitality and private hire.

Architectural landmarks of the distillery are also set to be reimagined as part of the construction, including the distinctive pagoda roofs, reinterpreting the Doig ventilators as skylights, providing natural light and ventilation to the space.

The distillery produces single malt Scotch whisky in a process that’s remained unchanged for almost 200 years, it claims. Its range includes American Oak Reserve, Reserva Andalucía, the 10-Year-Old, 13-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old, 18-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old expressions, as well as a series of special cask finishes.

In 2021, the distillery re-installed a working internal waterwheel, modelled on the original which was used to power the distillery in 1825.

It is expected the new visitor centre will open its doors to visitors and locals alike in summer 2025.

Project manager on the visitor centre Gary Milligan said: “Much work has gone into developing plans to craft an immersive visitor experience suited to both our historic distillery and the vibrant community which surrounds it.

“Blending tradition with modernity, a stone facade will wrap around the two-floor visitor centre, complementing the existing distillery buildings while adding a contemporary feel, with enhanced amenities to elevate the overall visitor experience.”

“As we approach our 200th anniversary in 2025, it is a truly exciting time for all involved at Glencadam.”