Whisky Month & World Whisky Day, 18 May 2024

With Whisky Month in May and World Whisky Day approaching, there's no better excuse to raise a dram of a favourite whisky and get ready to celebrate. Taking place on Saturday 18 May, World Whisky Day is a global celebration of one of Scotland's most loved exports.

With almost 150 whisky distilleries spread across Scotland, split into five whisky-producing regions: Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside, the variety on offer means there is truly something for everyone.

Whisky isn't a race, it's a journey to be savoured slowly and enjoyed responsibly. From whisky novices right through to true aficionados, what better way to celebrate World Whisky Day than getting together with friends and family and taking part in an organised whisky tasting, a distillery visit or simply sipping an after dinner dram and appreciating one of life's great pleasures.

If visitors are looking for an extra special way to celebrate the occasion, then look no further. 2024 is a momentous year for The Macallan, celebrating their 200 Years Young mark.  To commemorate, the renowned single malt whisky brand has come together with Cirque du Soleil to create a bespoke, theatrical and unforgettable experience titled Cirque de Soleil SPIRIT. Pairing The Macallan's expertise in whisky craftsmanship with Cirque du Soleil's mastery in performing arts, the result will be a truly unique and memorable experience.

Performances will run daily – excluding Sundays – from 9 May to 31 May 2024. Tickets - Book The Macallan Cirque du Soleil | The Macallan®

An important part of Scotland's heritage, whisky can of course be celebrated all year round with a host of events and openings across the country for whisky fans to enjoy.

Whisky Festivals – dates for the diary

• Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2024, 1-6 May 2024
• World Whisky Day, 18 May 2024
• Campbeltown Malts Festival, 20-25 May 2024 
• Fèis Ìle - The Islay Festival, 25 May – 1 June 2024
• Edinburgh Whisky Festival, 15 June 2024
• The Hebridean Whisky Festival,  9-14 September 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

 Whisky Distilleries

Browse the listings in Scotland's Whisky Distillery Map to learn more, or find a behind-the-scenes whisky tour.

New distilleries

There are a range of newly opened, reinvigorated and brand-new distillery openings in the pipeline.

Port Ellen Distillery – Reborn in March 2024, The Port Ellen distillery reopened after more than four decades of closure in a historic moment for Islay.

Rosebank Distillery - known as 'King of the Lowlands' is set to open its doors to the public for the first time in 30 years.  Having closed in 1993, the distillery in Falkirk has undergone a meticulous four-year restoration project and will welcome whisky lovers from around the world on 7 June 2024.

Eden Mill Distillery –  a stunning distillery at the mouth of the river Eden, overlooking the iconic, historic town of St Andrews. The new distillery sits at the heart of the University of St Andrews Eden Campus, a unique site dedicated to zero carbon initiatives and research.   The Visitor Centre is expected to open in summer 2024.

The Cabrach Distillery in Moray is preparing to open its doors this summer. Launched by local charity The Cabrach Trust, the distillery will operate as a social enterprise, with future revenue assisting the trust's community regeneration goal.

Portintruan Distillery - Located just outside the town of Port Ellen on Islay's south coast, Portintruan will be where the past meets the future, combining traditional production techniques with modern technology to improve process and quality, and of course sustainability. Currently in-progress, it is anticipated to begin distilling in 2024.

Ardgowan Distillery – a new state of the art carbon neutral distillery on Scotland's West coast, it is scheduled to be ready for opening in late 2024.

Seafood shacks and coastal eats

There is a new seafood shack on the horizon. Orkney is celebrating its first-ever seafood shack with the opening of Loki Seafood Shack on the Skaill House estate which opened in April.  With decades of experience between them, the Loki team is sure to be a massive hit with both locals and tourists alike. Taking quality local seafood to the next level and providing a much sought after offering, Skaill House is open seven days a week on a joint ticket with Skara Brae.  Find out more here.

Check out other seafood shacks and by-the-sea eateries in Scotland, including:

The Lobster Shack, The Old Pier, North Berwick, East Lothian

Enjoy the finest seafood cooked to perfection in the picturesque setting of North Berwick harbour. The outside seating area has recently been upgraded providing visitors with a fully covered and heated outdoor dining area to sit in, relax and enjoy the delectable seafood, whatever the weather.

Oban Seafood Hut, The Green Shack, Oban, Argyll and Bute

Fresh Seafood on the Pier at Oban's Famous Green Shack. Delicious lobster, scallops, crab and more prepared on the spot to eat by the sea or take home to enjoy.

Café Fish, Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Now open in its 17th season, The Café is situated on the upper floor of the Calmac Pier with spectacular views over Tobermory Bay to Calve Island and the Sound of Mull.  From the alfresco terrace diners can catch an amazing sunset and watch a selection of fresh seafood en route from the rugged coastal waters around Mull straight to plate two hours later.

Frankie's Fish and Chips, Shetland

The UK's most northerly fish and chip shop sourcing premium and sustainable Shetland seafood.

Duck Bay Hotel, Loch Lomond

Duck Bay's restaurant has panoramic views of breath-taking Loch Lomond, offering an extensive menu with a dish for everyone, using only local and seasonal produce.