Cycling star opens Clynelish Distillery's new visitor experience
Scottish cycling legend and sustainable travel advocate Mark Beaumont officially opened the doors to the new Highland Home of Johnnie Walker visitors’ experience at Clynelish Distillery, Brora, today.
The multi-million redevelopment offers visitors an interactive, sensory experience with secret rooms and hidden keys unlocking elements of Johnnie Walker whisky’s unique story as well as revealing stories of local people, landscape and culture.
Clynelish, run by drinks giant Diageo is one of the Four Corners distilleries of whisky brand Johnnie Walker. It distils a malt that is enjoyed on it own and also as a component of Johnnie Walker whiskies.
The site’s renovation is part of Diageo’s wider £185m investment into sustainable tourism at its network of visitor centres.
And the redevelopment has already been recognised with Clynelish receiving a Gold Standard Green Tourism Award.
Diageo’s managing director of Scotland brand homes Barbara Smith said: “We are delighted to be able to open the doors to Clynelish and celebrate the welcome return of visitor attractions and domestic travel.”
Mark Beaumont, who is an ambassador for NC500, called for a sustainable approach to rebuilding tourism.
He said: “The future has to be about high-quality visitor experiences that are thoughtful about their local environment, and it is great to see that exemplified with the new Highland Home of Johnnie Walker at Clynelish Distillery.”
In planning the new visitor experience, Diageo has also worked with disabled access charity Euan’s Guide.
