City set for its first single malt distillery since 1925
THE return of whisky distillation to Edinburgh has come a step closer with the launch of a new funding campaign.
The firm behind the proposed Holyrood Distillery has begun the process of raising £5.5 million from a crowdfunding campaign to help finalise its plans for a distillery and visitor centre that will span nearly 12,000 square feet.
The funding is being led by Johnston Carmichael accountants and should, the firm said, allow the distillery to produce single malt for retail as early as 2021 by providing working capital to cover the early costs of start-up and production.
Last year City of Edinburgh Council approved the development of the 180 year old city-owned Engine Shed building on St Leonards Lane into a distillery and visitor centre.
Holyrood Distillery would be the city’s first single malt whisky distillery since Glen Sciennes closed in 1925.
The joint venture brings together David Robertson, formerly master distiller for The Macallan, and Rob and Kelly Carpenter, founders of the Canadian branch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, who share the ambition of producing a range of single malts, gins, liqueurs and other spirits.
Rob Carpenter, managing director of Holyrood Distillery, said: “We feel truly fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of bringing single malt distilling back to Edinburgh after far too long an absence.
“Kelly, David and I all love our spirits and we’re incredibly enthusiastic about making flavour-filled single malts, gins and other cool tipples as well as creating an experience which allows our visitors to truly immerse themselves in the world of Holyrood.
“We are confident that by placing a working distillery in the heart of Edinburgh’s capital, with the visitor numbers and cash flow that is expected to provide, we are creating something that is quite different from the typical distillery start-up.”
