As Scotland slowly eases its lockdown restrictions, the country’s hospitality industry is beginning to welcome back visitors.
If you’re planning on a holiday in Scotland and finding activities to keep you entertained during your stay, why not go for a distillery tour? The Chivas Brothers Distilleries have now reopened, with locations in Glenlivet, Aberlour and Scapa as well as Strathisla.
According to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), Scotland’s whisky distilleries welcomed a record number of visitors in 2018, surpassing two million for the first time. With some companies such as Diageo and Distell investing in tourism, it certainly should be a must-do activity for whisky fans to visit many of the newly upgraded visitor centres and attractions on offer.
We have a brief guide to the distilleries that have reopened for tours. All the distilleries advise visitors to pre-book their visit, and there will be enhanced hygiene and checks on-site, as well as the mandatory requirement for face masks.
Aberfeldy Distillery, Perthshire, Highlands
Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery reopened in July, and the Perthshire distillery is offering a range of pre-bookable experiences including their three extensive tours, interactive heritage museum and shop.
Blair Athol Distillery, Pitlochry
One of Scotland’s most picturesque distilleries is a big hit with tourists and Diageo recently confirmed that it is to reopen for tours.
Oban Distillery, Oban, Highlands
Much like sister site Blair Athol, Diageo owned Oban is reopening with safety measures in place, limited tours of this exciting distillery, which takes pride of place in the centre of the coastal town.
Lindores Abbey, Fife, Lowlands
This exciting new distillery built at the close to the spiritual home of Scotch whisky where the earliest written reference to Scotch whisky was recorded, has re-opened for tours for limited numbers.
Its Courtyard Bar is also open on Fridays (11 am – 9 pm), and Saturdays and Sundays (11 am-4 pm) though bookings are also needed in advance.
If you are looking for whisky holidays in Scotland, visit our site today!