The new distillery along with its visitor’s centre, are set to restore its position as Scotch whisky’s most significant landmark, and with it offer a unique new experience for visitors to Scotland.
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| Lindores Abbey Distillery |
Lindores Abbey is known as the ‘spiritual home’ of Scotch whisky thanks to Friar John Cor, who paid duty on malt in 1494 in order to make ‘aqua vitae’ for the king, an act that was recorded in the Exchequer roll and is the earliest written evidence of whisky distillation in Scotland.
The distillery, which has recently had three stills from Forsyths of Rothes installed, will celebrate the heritage of Lindores Abbey’s founding Tironensian monks, via a cloister exhibition and events space. There will also be tours of the Abbey ruins on the banks of the River Tay, which were founded in 1192 by David Earl of Huntingdon on land given to him by his brother King William I.
It’s estimated that the distillery will welcome upwards of 30,000 visitors per year through its doors, as well as hosting an array of private events, and it is already taking bookings for whisky and champagne afternoon teas in its Legacy Room, overlooking the Abbey ruins and the River Tay.
Whisky connoisseurs from around the world will be able to make their own pilgrimage to the spiritual home of Scotch whisky, and those in search of a unique Scottish travel experience will be able to mirror ancestors who visited Lindores Abbey when Fife was known as Scotland’s Pilgrim Kingdom in medieval times, by touring the area via the proposed long distance walking route the Fife Pilgrim Way.
Commenting on the news, Drew McKenzie Smith, Founder of Lindores Abbey Distillery, said: “Our vision to preserve Lindores Abbey has become a reality, and we are excited to share its unique stories, sights and, of course, its spirit with the world once our distillery opens in August. From the serene tranquillity of the Abbey ruins, with their hidden tales of royal rule and dastardly warriors, to the revived traditions of the founding monks in their distilling, horticulture and innovation which we will see flourish here once again for new generations of travellers, Lindores Abbey Distillery will be a must-see for any visitor to Scotland looking to experience the spirit of this wonderful country.”
Also commenting on the news, Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “We know that people love coming to Scotland for its unique natural landscape and tranquility, as well as to experience unique adventures and produce. The revival of Lindores Abbey as a significant historical landmark, and the accompanying distillery, are a credit to its founders’ vision as custodians of the ‘spiritual home’ of Scotch whisky. I was thrilled to hear Drew and Helen McKenzie Smith’s vision for the future of Lindores Abbey when I met them recently, and I wish them and their new team of tourism ambassadors every success.”
In addition to providing a tourism boost to the Newburgh area of Fife, the distillery will employ 10 full time staff, along with a number of seasonal employees. Team members already on site include a Distillery Manager and Stillman.
Posted by Steve Rush