GlenWyvis to open Loch Ness Whisky Experience

Dingwall-based GlenWyvis Distillery is partnering with Scottish hospitality operator Cobbs to open a visitor centre focused on the history of illicit distilling in Scotland.

GlenWyvis and Cobbs will open The Loch Ness Whisky Experience in summer 2019

The Loch Ness Whisky Experience will open alongside the Cobbs-owned Loch Ness Lodge and Loch Ness Clansman Hotel, and will include an interactive display and retail space.

GlenWyvis founder and managing director John Mckenzie said: “This opportunity has come at the perfect time for GlenWyvis. It will give us access to a global audience and it will provide a great forum to engage with visitors who are interested in the story of whisky from a Highland community perspective.

“This is about the story of grassroots distilling, distilling for the people, and, of course, that is what underpins the community ethos of GlenWyvis.”

The experience will focus on telling the story of illicit distilling in the Highlands and will be housed in a converted Highland cottage overlooking Loch Ness.

Cobbs managing director Fraser Campbell said: “We are delighted to be working with the GlenWyvis team to bring the idea to fruition. It will be something exciting and new for our visitors – and will provide a fascinating insight into the old Highland traditions around distilling and whisky, but in a very modern way. We’re really looking forward to getting this off the ground now.”

Planning permission for the development has now been sought, and GlenWyvis is working with the Highland Council planning team to address any concerns that have been raised. Currently, the distillery plans to open the visitor experience in summer 2019.

Visits to the GlenWyvis Distillery in Dingwall are currently restricted due to local road access issues. The new Loch Ness Whisky Experience will provide a global shop for GlenWyvis, which is the world’s first 100% community-owned distillery.