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Forever Edinburgh toasts the city’s distillers
Tourism businesses in Scotland’s capital have partnered with Forever Edinburgh, the city’s official guide, to launch a series that showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of its local producers.
The Meet Edinburgh’s Makers series celebrates the enterprises at the heart of the city’s visitor economy, starting with the ‘dynamic’ distilling and brewing scene that has established it as ‘the new spirit of Scotland’.
Councillor Cammy Day, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Distilling in Edinburgh links back to the 18th century, and we have seen a revival of late with so many wonderful producers and brewers choosing the capital as their HQ. We’re really lucky in Edinburgh to have some of the best in the country, from the Port of Leith Distillery to Innis and Gunn, Edinburgh Gin and many more.
“The Meet Edinburgh’s Makers initiative celebrates Edinburgh’s renaissance as the true spirit of Scotland, and uses the stories of the dedicated craftspeople and their exceptional experiences around the city to draw more interest from our visitors.”
The initiative highlights Edinburgh’s ‘most innovative’ makers and craftspeople, while inviting visitors to explore the city’s diverse tasting experiences.
Featured spirits producers include Holyrood Distillery, known for its range of whiskies and rum; Port of Leith, the UK’s first vertical distillery; Summerhall Distillery, celebrated for its ‘inventive’ gin flavours; and The Secret Garden Distillery, which embraces a ‘seed-to-sip’ ethos with seasonal botanicals.
Callum Rae, distillery manager at Holyrood Distillery, said: “With such a wide variety of experiences in the city, being showcased by Forever Edinburgh is a fantastic opportunity for our business.
“This campaign will bring more people through our doors and give them a chance to explore the great drinks Edinburgh has to offer. We’re delighted to be listed alongside other local brands and share in celebrating Edinburgh evolving from being the heart of Scotland to embodying its spirit as well.”
Interviews with key makers are now live on Forever Edinburgh’s website alongside the new Brewers and Distillers Map, which showcases more than 60 businesses across the city.
The guide invites visitors to discover the spirit of Edinburgh, featuring bars, pubs, pop-ups, retailers and distilleries, all easily accessible by foot or sustainable travel options, including bus and tram.
Day explained: “The Makers interviews and Brewers and Distillers Map, will exist year-round and are excellent resources no matter the time of year. This is a chance to sample some of Edinburgh’s finest offerings and appreciate the rich flavour profiles that define our city’s vibrant spirit.”
Since 2019, Edinburgh has seen a 50% increase in businesses distilling, rectifying, and blending spirits in the city; a 25% increase in beer manufacturers; and a 35% increase in beverage manufacturers.
A 2023 VisitScotland survey found that nearly half (46%) of visitors participated in at least one food and drink experience during their trip to the country.
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