Distilleries unite for Highland Whisky Festival

Eight Highland distilleries are joining forces to introduce a brand new whisky festival.

Having been named one of the Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel destinations in 2019, eight Highland Distilleries are proud to introduce the brand-new festival to celebrate the established Highland Whisky Trail.

The Highland Whisky Festival, which will take place in May is a celebration of the region’s finest distilleries on the North Coast 500 route. With each distillery hosting an open day with exclusive events and tastings, it’s an unmissable experience for even the most seasoned of whisky enthusiasts.

The north coast of Scotland is breath-taking – impressive scenery, fantastic accommodation and exceptional dining experiences. The Highland Whisky Festival will be held between 12–20 May.

Eight distilleries will come together for the first time ever for a series of exclusive tastings, tours and events. Balblair, Clynelish, Glenmorangie, Old Pulteney, The Dalmore, The Singleton of Glen Ord, Tomatin and Wolfburn will each host visitors from the world over to showcase the centuries of tradition, process and craft of their home.

Festival coordinator Katie Waugh says that the union between eight world class distilleries, each with their own story to tell, would surely make a fantastic addition to the Scottish Whisky Festival scene.

She added: ‘Building on the successes of both the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival and Islay Whisky Festival and with the continuing increase in Whisky tourism especially along the North Coast 500 we identified an opportunity for the Highland Distilleries to have a festival of their own.

‘Between the eight distilleries we have over 1000 years of craftsmanship and experience in producing whisky. What differentiates Highland Distilleries is that they are spread far and wide along the North Coast 500. The effort of travelling is rewarded not only by world class whiskies but stunning landscapes and the warm welcoming Highland hospitality.’

A successful union between a world class driving route, eight internationally revered distilleries and the hospitality of the Highland people will result in an eight daylong celebration of Scotland’s national spirit.

The Highland Whisky Festival will play host to an international audience, allowing visitors to experience eight unique distilleries on the circuit through exclusive tastings, tours and appreciations.

The North Coast 500 added £9 million worth of revenue to the region alone, with an additional 29,000 visitors between 2016-17. Scotland saw a record number of 1.9 million visits to distilleries and a spend of £60.9 million (an increase of 15.6% from 2016), therefore we anticipate our inaugural Festival to be successful and well-visited.

The programme is made up of eight unique days, each hosted by one of the participating distilleries. For those who appreciate the region in equal measure to the whisky, the Festival will be organising partnerships with the region’s best loved sights and businesses.

VisitScotland are delighted to support the Highland Whisky Festival, particularly with the recent accolade being given by the Lonely Planet.

Chris Taylor, VisitScotland’s regional leadership director, said: ‘Whisky is one of Scotland’s most valuable commodities, attracting visitors from all over the world, with one in five visitors making a trip to a whisky distillery during their stay.

‘As one of the largest whisky producing regions in Scotland, the Highlands is a veritable paradise for lovers of a wee dram with whisky a vital part of local tourism.

‘With all eyes on the Highlands and Islands – following Lonely Planet naming it Best in Travel 2019 – this new festival will be a great addition to the visitor experience and shine a spotlight on the area’s links to our iconic national drink.’

Information about the 2019 Highland Whisky Festival can be found on HERE and tickets will be on sale from early March.