Contractor appointed for Edinburgh whisky distillery

ISG has landed a contract to build a new £5.8 million single malt whisky distillery in Edinburgh.

The Newmake Limited scheme, located near Holyrood Park, will see an existing three-storey former railway goods warehouse redeveloped to create a full-height distillery to the rear and three floors of store rooms and offices to the front elevation.

Rob Carpenter, co-founder of Holyrood Distillery, said: “We were aware of ISG’s extensive experience in the whisky industry and couldn’t have found a better partner for the delivery of our new venture in Edinburgh. During the construction period we are offering people a taste of what will be on offer when the new distillery opens, with our ‘flavour first’ focus brought to life with prototype gins and liqueurs available for trial and purchase. We believe Holyrood’s progressive approach to playing with flavours, ingredients, distilling processes and maturation will set it apart.”



A steel-framed extension, incorporating the existing traditional stone masonry wall fronting St Leonard’s Lane, will house a new visitor centre and shop. The two-storey building, clad in charred timber, has been designed by architects 7N to mirror the seasoning of the barrels through the whisky production process, with glazed screens creating a framed view of Salisbury Crags from the tasting room.

The stills, housed in the refurbished Category-B listed building, will be powered by a new single-storey plant room to the rear, with ISG also carrying out hard and soft landscaping as part of the contract.

Andy McLinden, managing director for ISG’s North and Scotland business, added: “Drinks manufacturing in Scotland has a global reputation for excellence and ISG has played an important role in delivering the infrastructure to ensure the growing international demand for premium beverages is matched with the right capability. Our latest win is a great addition to the vibrant niche drinks manufacturing scene within Edinburgh and will undoubtedly become a highly popular tourist destination in 2019 and beyond.”


Share icon
Share this article: