Glencadam marks 200 years with visitor centre
Angus Dundee Distillers has opened a multi-million-pound visitor centre for Highland distillery Glencadam, six years after gaining planning approval.
The East Highland-based brand received planning permission for the work in June 2019 and began construction in March 2024.
The new centre features a retail space and tasting rooms, as well as a whisky lounge, café, and function suite for corporate hospitality and private hire.
Open for tours from Saturday (15 November), the new opening coincides with Glencadam’s 200th anniversary this year.
Based in the town of Brechin, Glencadam is thought to be one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. It was established in 1825 and closed during both World Wars before being mothballed in 2000.
The multi-million-pound development will offer tutored tastings and a interactive exhibition, showcasing Glencadam’s story from its founding in 1825 to becoming an established single malt maker.
The visitor centre has created 12 new jobs and is expected to attract tourists from Scotland and beyond.
Iain Lochhead, director at Angus Dundee Distillers, owner of Glencadam Distillery, said: “Opening our doors today is a moment of immense pride for everyone at Glencadam.
“This visitor centre is more than a building – it’s a celebration of 200 years of tradition, people and place, providing a unique opportunity to explore the history, craftsmanship and stories behind one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. It marks an exciting new chapter not just for Glencadam Distillery, but for the entire Brechin community.”
The new site has also maintained the original features of the distillery, which it has combined with contemporary interiors.
A major feature of the new visitor centre is the regenerated stone façade, crafted using reclaimed stone from the former Brechin Infirmary. A working internal waterwheel, modelled on the original which was used to power the distillery back in 1825, has also been included in the new design as a nod to the brand’s heritage.
The visitor experience will be led by Michael van der Veen and Lauren Oliver, who both joined Glencadam this year.
Tours will run Thursday through Monday with the retail shop open seven days a week.
Lochhead added: “Whether you’re discovering Glencadam for the first time or returning as a long-time fan, our new visitor centre allows us to share the depth of our history, the craft behind each dram and the people who have shaped our story over two centuries. We can’t wait to share the next chapter of our story with you.”
Angus Dundee Distillers saw its turnover plummet by nearly a quarter in the year to 30 June 2024.
The company has also expanded to China, where it is building a malt whisky distillery in Chun’an, along with a visitor experience.
