Historic distillery in Falkirk welcomes first visitors after 30-year closure

A whisky distillery known as the King of the Lowlands has welcomed its first guests following a “miraculous” restoration project.

Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk shut in 1993 and lay empty for 24 years until it was rescued by Ian Macleod Distillers in 2017.

It has since undergone a four-year restoration project and work that has seen modern architecture merged with some of the original distillery building – and officially welcomed its first visitors on Friday.

The original mill, thought to be about 103 years old, has been retained and continues to be used in the production of Rosebank’s whisky as it did before the closure, while the 108ft chimney stack has been repaired.

Complemented by contemporary, “state-of-the-art” elements, the distillery retains some of its original look, including its characteristic three copper stills, which have been crafted to replicate their historic shape based on original distillery drawings.

The newly restored distillery is expected to stimulate tourism and generate employment within the local Falkirk economy, thanks to the new visitor experience for guests.

Stuart Hendry, Brand Homes Director at Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “This is a huge moment for the people of Falkirk and the global whisky community. It has been an absolute pleasure watching Rosebank reawaken, with its original, unique distillation methods now sitting at the heart of inspiring new buildings that respect the original setting.

“The sense of pride that the people of Falkirk have in Rosebank is very much felt by all of us at Ian Macleod Distillers and to be custodians of such an iconic distillery is a dream come true.

“Opening the doors today to visitors marks another historic chapter in the incredible story of Rosebank and we are excited to welcome whisky lovers from around the world into this incredible cathedral of distillation.”

To mark the “huge moment” the distillery also launched its first exclusive, a 1989 Vintage, 33 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky – it’s oldest expression to date.

The new expression is a limited run of 650 bottles, and only available to buy from the distillery gift shop, priced at £3,200.

Emma Oakes, Blender at Rosebank said: “Such a grand occasion calls for an exceptional whisky, and our Rosebank Vintage 1989 is just that. We have had the unique opportunity to assess each of the rare Rosebank casks that have survived since the distillery’s closure in 1993.

“It was clear from the start that our 1989 casks, the oldest in our archive, would be perfect to create this incredibly special dram to toast to the revival of such a well-loved distillery.”