Speyside whisky tourism business nets funding boost

Rothes Glen project secures £100,000 from Highlands & Islands Enterprise

A PROJECT to transform an historic baronial mansion in Speyside into a luxury whisky tourism businesses is a step closer to completion after securing £100,000 from Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Rothes Glen Limited (RGL) is converting the B-listed Rothes Glen property near the village of Rothes into a “high-end exclusive use venue with world-class hospitality” which will offer “private luxurious malt whisky-themed holiday experiences” and cater for industry events.

Built in 1893, the baronial-style property, which is close to the River Spey, was designed by Inverness-based architect Alexander Ross and built by Charles Chree Doig, the architect credited with introducing the pagoda-style roof to distillery design.

Damian Riley-Smith, chief executive of RGL, which acquired the property in 2019, said the funding will go towards the £500,000 final phase of alterations, which is due to be completed by the middle of this year.

“With building regulations requiring so much additional work we are delighted HIE have been able to help us raise Rothes Glen back to its former glory,” he said.

Angie Smith, HIE’s head of business growth in Moray, said the project “will enhance Moray-Speyside’s overall tourism offering”.

“It will support rural jobs and other local industries, notably the food and drink sector,” she said.

“It will attract more high-spending visitors to the area and encourage them to stay longer, which will also benefit the wider local economy.

“We are very pleased to be able to provide support to this high-end tourism project and look forward to its successful opening.”