Glencadam Distillery breaks ground on state-of-the-art visitor centre

How the under-construction Glencadam Distillery visitor centre should look on completion

Work is now underway to develop a new visitor centre and VIP suite at one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, Glencadam, in Brechin, Angus.

First established in 1825, Glencadam Distillery is now heading into its 200th anniversary year, and the new visitor centre is planned to be a state-of-the-art showcase for that long whisky-making heritage.

As well as an exhibition space dedicated to 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 aspects of the distillery are being reimagined as part of the new construction, including its distinctive pagoda roofs, reinterpreting the ‘Doig Ventilators’ as skylights to provide natural light.

Aspects of the distillery’s architecture have been incorporated in the new building’s design

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

Project manager 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!”

It is expected the new visitor centre will open its doors in summer 2025. There will be no impact to whisky production during the construction period.