Islay distillery to boost Hebridean whisky production

Ian Macleod Distillers in partnership with The Islay Boys brewery, are jointly constructing a new single malt whisky distillery at Laggan Bay on the island of Islay.

Another project in a long list of drinks-related schemes recently built in Scotland, Laggan Bay will be the 12th whisky distillery on Islay, the Hebridean island famed for its peaty whiskies.

Ian Macleod Distillers has ambitious plans for the new distillery, which is due to open in 2025. The company’s portfolio of premium spirits brands includes Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Edinburgh Gin, and the soon to be re-opened Rosebank in Falkirk (see NSC April 2022).

Leonard Russell, Managing Director at Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “I am delighted to be partnering with my friends, The Islay Boys, to build Laggan Bay Distillery. It’s a very exciting project, which will allow us to offer a brand-new Islay single malt before the end of the decade.”

As part of the company’s commitment to sustainability, The Laggan Bay Distillery will feature wetlands to manage its liquid waste and provide a haven for local wildlife. Ian Macleod Distillers’ sister distillery, Glengoyne, north of Glasgow, was the first Scotch whisky distillery to have wetlands to manage its waste and was recognised with a Green Tourism Gold Award in 2023.

The company is also working with the Islay Energy Trust and Scottish Power to explore renewable energy options, and has committed to using green energy in order to reduce its carbon emissions.