Isle of Skye Distillers announced this week that ground has been broken on what will soon become the site of the island’s third whisky distillery.
Full planning permission was granted last year for the expansion of the company’s existing gin/vodka distillery on the outskirts of Portree to enable production of a new Isle of Skye whisky, to be named Eilean a’ Cheò – The Spirit of Skye.
The company’s founders are brothers Thomas and Alistair Wilson, who were raised on the Isle of Skye, and have made promoting and supporting the local area and community a core principle of their operation.
Alistair has a background in the hospitality industry, having managed various bars and restaurants across Scotland, while Thomas has a background as a craft inspired builder, and has served in the Parachute Regiment and as Crew Commander with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Portree.
“As proud islanders, provenance is everything to us,” said the brothers. “This is reflected in everything we do, from preserving our home through sustainable practices to supporting the community with every bottle sold.
“We have been established since 2016 and we are expanding our spirits distillery to include a new whisky distillery, all in the heart of Portree.
“We’re proud we have been totally self-sufficient and remain a local family-owned business. It’s been nearly two years in the planning and it’s great to see the building coming together. We look forward to showcasing our first whisky very soon.”
Building work in phase one of Isle of Skye Distillers’ expansion will be completed by end of summer 2025, with copper stills due to arrive on site this Autumn, with full whisky production commencing by mid-summer 2026.
Once commissioned, this phase will see approximately 300 barrels of whisky produced per year, equivalent to 112,000 bottles.
The development has been supported by Highland Council and an external consulting team that includes Dr Alan Rutherford OBE – former production director at Diageo with over 50 years of experience in brewing and distilling, and Master of the Quaich.
Marketing and brand director, Eric Witham, said: “To launch a new whisky distillery and brand is a challenge, but we have the right skill sets and industry support.
“Our first ‘As We Wait’ whisky will be ready very shortly… it has been a long time in the planning!”
There are also outline plans for a phase two, which would re-develop a derelict but ‘historically important’ site on the outskirts of Portree, which would involve an £8-£10m build with an eventual production capacity of approx. 750,000 bottles a year, a visitor attraction, restaurant, gift shop and guided tours, creating 50 to 60 local skilled jobs.
Pre-app plans for that will, said Isle of Skye Distillers, be submitted by the end of the year.
