Luss Distillery, the Loch Lomond Group’s new multi-million-pound distillery and visitor experience, has been officially opened by First Minister of Scotland John Swinney.
Launched ahead of 2026’s peak tourist season, the landmark new development on the banks of Loch Lomond is described as ‘one of the most significant recent investments in Scotland’s whisky tourism sector’, and a demonstration of the Loch Lomond Group’s commitment to the Scottish spirits industry.
In the village of Luss, at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, the new destination is intended to be ‘an immersive discovery experience’ for whisky and gin connoisseurs, as well as those newly curious about Scotch whisky and premium spirits.
The purpose-built site comprises four buildings, housing a working distillery, whisky and gin discovery areas, a dedicated tasting room, retail space, and a café overlooking Loch Lomond.
Together, they form a new brand home for Loch Lomond Group’s award-winning whiskies and spirits. The retail space also showcases the group’s wider portfolio, including Glen Scotia and Littlemill single malts, alongside other premium spirits and Champagne.
Following its soft opening in late 2025, Luss Distillery is projected to welcome up to one million visitors during 2026, capitalising on Luss’s status as a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers.
During the official opening event, the First Minister toured the new distillery and visitor experience, before unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
Loch Lomond Group presented the First Minister with a bespoke bottle of Loch Lomond 14-Year-Old Luss Exclusive Cask, featuring personalised engraving, one of just 291 bottles produced.
Founder and CEO of Loch Lomond Group and council member of the Scotch Whisky Association, Colin Matthews, said: “Scotland is celebrated worldwide for its tourism, its exceptional Scotch whisky and spirits, and the natural beauty of places such as Loch Lomond and the Scottish Highlands.
“At Luss Distillery, we have brought these elements together to create a truly memorable destination – one that welcomes seasoned whisky and gin enthusiasts, as well as those curious to discover the people, place, the craft and passion behind our brands.
“We have long held ambitions to open a destination like this here on the banks of Loch Lomond, and it is a real privilege to have the First Minister mark this occasion with us as we look ahead to a busy spring and summer season.
“Scotland’s spirits sector is facing challenging times, which makes continued investment more important than ever,” said Matthews.
“As one of the largest independent distillers in Scotland, we remain steadfast in our commitment to quality, history, authenticity and innovation, and we will continue to play a prominent role in developing Scotch whisky and the wider spirits industry to ensure it remains relevant, exciting and appealing to modern consumers.
“We call on the First Minister and colleagues across the political spectrum to continue their strong support for this great historic industry and the meaningful contribution it makes to Scotland and the wider UK.”
The First Minister commented: “It has been a pleasure to open the new Luss Distillery on the banks of Loch Lomond. The distillery and visitor centre not only adds to the quality of the tourism offering in Luss but also to Scotland’s international reputation as a world class destination for visitors.
“This investment by the Loch Lomond Group is extremely welcome, particularly when there are serious challenges impacting on the whisky sector, both at home and abroad.
“The spirits sector may be defined by its 170 export markets, its approximately £5.3 billion contribution to the Scottish economy, and the thousands of jobs it sustains, but it is the history and stories behind it, like those told here, that capture people’s imagination and bring visitors from across the world,” added Swinney.
“Telling the story of the history and quality of our produce and its importance to Scotland’s economy, like that at Luss Distillery, is a key priority of my government and we will continue to do all we can to support this vital industry.”
The design and experiential concept for Luss Distillery was led by Scottish creative studio Paul Hodgkiss Designs, alongside Diverse Contracts and brand experience agency Hot Pickle, working with a wider team to deliver the construction and realisation of the project.
From the earliest stages, the intention was to create a building that ‘belongs to its setting rather than competes with it’.
