The award recognises the ambitious and bold reimagining of five listed Victorian arches, once used as storage and famously said to have housed circus elephants, into a contemporary carbon-neutral gin distillery. The project artfully blends Edinburgh’s rich architectural heritage with cutting-edge sustainable design and immersive visitor experiences, making it a standout destination in the city.

Built on the historic site once occupied by Trinity Church near The Arches, the distillery embraces Edinburgh’s rich botanical legacy. It features two impressive 2,000-litre copper stills, Annie and Lina, named in tribute to trailblazing female gardeners from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in 1897, alongside a smaller still named Matilda for experimental distilling.

Since the distillery opened its doors in December 2024, it has become a standout attraction for locals and tourists. In its first six months, it welcomed over 17,000 visitors, offering immersive experiences including gin-making masterclasses, cocktail workshops, guided tastings, and behind-the-scenes tours.

Sarah Prior, head of sales and marketing at Edinburgh Gin Brand Home, said: “Winning Silver at the Scottish Design Awards is proud acknowledgement of the creativity and dedication poured into transforming this unique space.

“More than just a distillery, it’s a celebration of Edinburgh’s rich heritage and craftsmanship and we’re honoured to receive this prestigious award. Our brand home not only showcases our award-winning gins but also stands as an exciting new destination for the city’s visitors.”

The destination also boasts a contemporary Distillery Bar serving expertly crafted gin cocktails and a stunning Rooftop Garden Bar with panoramic views of the historic city skyline. Both bars showcase the full Edinburgh Gin range, including Roof Garden Gin – a limited-edition expression only available at the Distillery. In addition, the on-site shop offers an exclusive selection of gins, gifts, and merchandise, perfect for visitors looking to take home a taste of their experience.

The Edinburgh Gin Distillery at The Arches is open daily from 11am to 9pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and 11am to 12am from Thursday to Saturday. Visitors can easily book gin experiences including masterclasses and tastings online to fully immerse themselves in Edinburgh Gin’s wonder-filled world.