Isle Of Arran Distillery

Scotland Isle Of Arran

Website Open to the public

Situated in the village of Lochranza at the northern tip of the Isle of Arran, off Scotland’s southwest coast, the distillery is surrounded by dramatic landscapes often referred to as “Scotland in miniature” due to the island’s mix of mountains, glens and coastline. The distillery draws its water from Loch na Davie, which flows down the hillside through a series of natural waterfalls, contributing to the purity and character of the whisky.

The Isle of Arran Distillery was established in 1995, marking the return of legal whisky production to the island after more than 150 years. Founded by Harold Currie, a former director at Chivas, the distillery was built with a vision to revive Arran’s whisky heritage. The company remains independent, operating both the original Lochranza site and the newer Lagg Distillery in the south, which focuses on peated whiskies.

Arran produces single malt Scotch whisky using traditional methods, including wooden washbacks and copper stills designed to their specifications. While most Arran releases are unpeated, the distillery previously produced lightly peated expressions under the Machrie Moor label. Heavily peated production has since moved to the Lagg Distillery.

The distillery offers tastings and sit-in service in the cafes at Lochranza and Lagg Distilleries. They also offer guided tours that showcase the whisky-making process and the unique environment of Arran.