Stannergill Distillery starts production
Dunnet Bay Distillers has commenced production at its £5 million (US$6.7m) Stannergill Distillery in Caithness, Scotland.
Following nearly two years of restoration and construction, Stannergill Distillery began production on 30 June 2026, with the first spirits running through its stills on 10 July.
The new distillery in the Scottish Highlands, housed in a 200-year-old building, Castletown Mill, will focus on single malt whisky production.
It has a capacity of producing 240,000 litres per annum.
The site is home to two stills named after the founders’ daughters: a 5,000-litre wash still, Anna, and a 3,500-litre spirits still, Isla.
The facility operates with a focus on sustainable production, using an electric boiler that generates steam with zero on-site emissions.
Work on the maturation warehouse is set to commence in the coming months.
Martin Murray, co-founder of Dunnet Bay Distillers and a chartered chemical engineer, stated: “We’re incredibly proud to have reached this point. Bringing Stannergill Distillery into production has been a complex and rewarding journey, combining detailed process engineering with a clear vision for the style of whisky we want to create.
“Everything here has been designed with intention, from fermentation through to distillation, to produce a spirit that truly reflects this landscape, while also setting a new standard for energy efficiency in our sector.”
The distillery will also feature a visitor centre that offers tours and tastings. The site also includes The Grain Store Restaurant, which opened in March 2026.
Claire Murray, co-founder of Dunnet Bay Distillers, added: “This is a very special moment for us and our team. Stannergill is not just about whisky production; it’s about creating a destination and continuing to share the story of Caithness with visitors from around the world.
“We’ve always believed in building something with a strong sense of place, and this distillery allows us to take that even further.”
Wife and husband Claire and Martin Murray founded Dunnet Bay Distillers in 2014. The company’s portfolio includes brands Rock Rose Gin, Holy Grass Vodka, Mapmaker’s Rum, and Myxd Cocktails.
Its range also includes whiskies bottled under the name Castletown Mill and Stannergill Whisky, which launched in 2022.
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