New winery in Islay Adnajo © Scottish Tourism / Kenny Lam
May is "Whiskey Month" and we raised our glasses and enjoyed a carnival celebration! This year's World Whisky Day falls on Saturday, May 18. Whisky is one of Scotland's favourite exports, and World Whisky Day is a global event featuring whisky.
There are nearly 150 whisky distilleries in Scotland, divided into five regions: Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Campbelltown and Islay. The abundance of options means there's something for everyone.
In the world of whisky, we don't chase the speed, but immerse ourselves in it, enjoy it slowly, and savor the wonderful journey. Whether you're a whisky novice or a true connoisseur, there's no better way to celebrate World Whisky Day than with friends and family, taking part in a curated whisky tasting, a distillery tour, or simply sipping a fabulous whisky after dinner.
Scotland is undoubtedly the ideal destination for your whisky taste. The year 2024 marks the 200th anniversary of The Macallan's birth. To commemorate this proud journey, the world-renowned single malt whisky brand has teamed up with Cirque du Soleil to create "Cirque de Soleil SPIRIT", a unique, theatrical and unforgettable show. By combining The Macallan's whisky craft expertise with Cirque du Soleil's excellence in the performing arts, the result is a truly unique and memorable experience for audiences.
An important part of Scottish tradition, whisky-related festivals run throughout the year, with a range of events and openings scheduled across the country for whisky fans to enjoy.
Whisky Festival in 2024
- 2024年斯佩塞威士忌嘉年华,2024年5 月 1-6 日
- World Memorial Day, May 18, 2024
- Campbelltown Whiskey Carnival, May 20-25, 2024
- Islay Whisky Festival, 25 May to 1 June 2024
- Edinburgh Whisky Festival, June 15, 2024
- Hebrides Whisky Festival, September 9-14, 2024
- Scottish National Whisky Festival, 29 June 2024 / 14 September 2024 / 26 October 2024
- Stirling Whisky Festival, 2 November 2024
- Glasgow Whisky Festival, 9 November 2024 (TBC)
New Distillery Snapshot
A number of wineries have reopened, and many more are in the pipeline.
- Port Ellen Distillery – In March 2024, the Port Ellen Distillery reopened after more than 40 years of closure in a historic moment for Islay.
- Rosebank Distillery – Known as the "King of the Lowlands", this distillery is open to the public for the first time in 30 years. Located in Falkirk, it closed in 1993 and after four years of meticulous renovation, it will open its doors on June 7, 2024 to welcome whisky lovers from around the world.
- Eden Mill Distillery – This prestigious distillery is located at the mouth of the Eden River, overlooking the iconic historic town of St. Andrews. Located in the heart of the University of St Andrews' Eden campus, the new facility is dedicated to zero-carbon initiatives and research. The visitor center is expected to open in the summer of 2024.
- The Cabrach Distillery – The winery in Mali is set to open this summer. Initiated by the Kabrach Trust, a local charity, the distillery will operate as a social enterprise, with future revenues going towards the trust's community regeneration goals.
- Portintruan Distillery – Located just outside the town of Port Ellen on the south coast of Islay, this winery combines traditional brewing techniques with modern technology to improve craftsmanship and quality while providing sustainability. It is currently under construction and is expected to start production in 2024.
- Ardgowan Distillery – a new, carbon-neutral distillery on the west coast of Scotland is scheduled to open by the end of 2024.
From wine to food: discover Scotland's coastal cuisine
After a tour of the whisky distillery, why not sit back and savor another gift of Scotland? The smooth taste of Scotch whisky pairs well with freshly caught seafood from the Scottish coast. From fresh oysters to plump langoustines, coastal restaurants serve food that complements Scotland's national spirit. Orkney's first-ever seafood restaurant, Loki Seafood Shack, opens at Skelle Manor. With decades of experience, Rocky's team prepares quality local seafood for guests, making Skelle Estate a must-visit destination in Scalabre.
Here are some of Scotland's other seafood restaurants and beachfront restaurants, including:
The Lobster Shack，东洛锡安北伯维克老码头
Enjoy the best seafood while enjoying the views of North Berwick Harbour and you'll be amazed by the chef's mastery. The outdoor seating area has recently been upgraded to provide visitors with a fully covered, heated outdoor dining area where they can relax and enjoy a delicious meal without fear of wind or rain.
Oban Seafood Hut, The Green Shack，阿盖尔和布特郡奥本
Auburn Pier's famous 'The Green Shack' serves fresh seafood, with delicious lobster, scallops, crab and more cooked on site, to be enjoyed by the sea or taken home.
Café Fish, Tobermory, Isle of Muir
Located on the upper level of Kelmac Marina, this 17-year-old restaurant overlooks Tobermoray Bay, Calvi Island and Muir Bay. From the outdoor terrace, diners can watch the sunset and witness fresh seafood caught from the waters around rugged Isle of Muir, which is delivered directly to visitors' plates just two hours later.
Frankie’s Fish and Chips，设得兰群岛
The UK's northernmost fish and chip shop serving high-quality, sustainable Shetland seafood.
Duck Bay Hotel, 罗蒙湖
With panoramic views of Loch Lomond and a wide variety of local and seasonal ingredients, there's something for everyone.