Highland and Lowland Distillery Tour from Edinburgh or Glasgow -Itinerary
You can take the Highland and Lowland Distillery Tour from Glasgow or from Edinburgh. The first distillery you visit is Deanston in the town of Doune. A photostop at Doune Castle follows, and then we drive to Glenturret Distillery, for a visit and lunch. After lunch your visit will depend on where you want your tour to end. For Glasgow you see the Trossachs because your last distillery will be Auchentoshan. For Edinburgh you can enjoy a drive-by the famous “Kelpies” sculpture because your last visit is to Glenkinchie. If our favoured distilleries (above) are fully booked, we will work to find you alternatives. The earlier you book the more likely that you’ll get the chosen distilleries.
Deanston Distillery
We find Deanston Distillery in the town of Doune. First built as a cotton mill by Richard Arkwright in 1785, it drew on the water of the River Teith for power. It became a Highland malt distillery in 1966. This made sense because it could use the waters of the same river. Its screen debut came as cousin Jared’s Le Havre wine warehouse in the TV show, Outlander.
Doune Castle
Doune Castle is now well known as a TV and movie location. It’s most famous appearances include Monty Python and the Holy Grail; Winterfell in Game of Thrones and Castle Leoch in Outlander. However, it does also have fascinating stories of its own – a hostage King; a wicked uncle; executions; royal stronghold; Earl’s Castle and Jacobites. We enjoy a photostop here, after hearing it’s stories as we roll along.
Glenturret Whisky Distillery
Glenturret Whisky Distillery, which is a Highland malt, say they are the oldest working distillery in Scotland. They have been legally making the “Water of Life” since 1775. Distilling probably began on the site as early as 1717. The other distillery claim to fame is being in the Guinness Book of Records, due to Towser the mouser. She was pest control at Glenturret for twenty four years. She caught well over a thousand mice a year and as a result you can see her statue at the distillery.
The Trossachs
The Trossachs became a tourist destination in early Victorian times. This was due to visitors describing this scenic area as the Highlands in miniature. As a result, Sir Walter Scott and other poets and writers from the Romantic Movement popularised the area, praising the gorgeous landscapes here.
Auchentoshan Distillery
Auchentoshan, which is a Lowland malt, stands near Glasgow. It was built in 1800. Disaster struck in 1941 when a German air raid badly damaged the distillery and destroyed a warehouse. As a result a cascade of burning whisky ran all the way down to the River Clyde. After recovery Auchentoshan has more recently become known as the breakfast whisky due to its sweet and delicate nature.
The Kelpies
The Kelpies (shape-shifting water-beasts) have, since their creation in 2013, been one of Scotland’s largest and most impressive sculptures. These 30 metre or 90 foot horses’ heads are a staggering sight, and represent the mythological water-horse. Andy Scott, the artist, chose this legendary creature to represent our industry because kelpies have the strength of ten horses.
Glenkinchie Distillery
Glenkinchie Distillery, which is a Lowland malt, lies just east of Edinburgh. We have seen records which show that the first distillery on the site was probably built in 1825. The distillery shut down for a few years in the mid nineteenth century and became a sawmill. Happily, however, the distillery was rebuilt in 1881 and, as a result, has been producing whisky ever since. It is now owned by Diageo.
Highland and Lowland Distillery Tour from Edinburgh or Glasgow – Price
£590 plus distillery entry fees.
Highland and Lowland Distillery Tour from Edinburgh or Glasgow – Departure
The tour can depart from your Inverness accommodation, or from any transport hub you prefer, such as bus station, train station or airport. You tell us, and we’ll be there.