ISG secures Holyrood Distillery project

ISG has been appointed to deliver Edinburgh’s first single malt whisky distillery for 90 years at a site close to the Scottish parliament building.

The £5.8 million scheme for New Make Ltd reflects a continuation of ISG’s extensive experience servicing the globally renowned Scottish drinks manufacturing industry – which to date encompasses over £200 million of projects successfully delivered by the Glasgow headquartered construction services company.

The new 12,379 sq ft distillery and visitor centre near Holyrood Park sees ISG reconfigure an existing three-storey former engine shed 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, encased by the existing traditional stone masonry wall, fronting St Leonard's Hill, will house a new visitor centre and shop. The two-storey building, clad in charred timber, has been designed by architects 7N to mirror the seasoning of the barrels through the whisky production process, with glazed screens creating a framed view of Salisbury Crags from the tasting room.

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. The project is expected to complete by autumn next year.

Under the guidance of head distiller, Jack Mayo, the distillery will produce a range of single malts, gins, liqueurs and other spirits. The visitor centre aims to provide an engaging visitor experience, immersing guests in the flavour sensations of Holyrood’s range of spirits.

Rob Carpenter, 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 testing. We believe Holyrood’s progressive approach to playing with flavours, ingredients, distilling processes and maturation will set it apart.”

ISG has carried out over £200 million of work for a global drinks manufacturer across Scotland to date and counts a challenging £5 million expansion project at Bruichladdich Distillery on the Isle of Islay amongst its extensive portfolio in this key industry sector.

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.”