Ahead of World Whisky Day (17 May 2025), leading tourism and whisky experts have revealed their hopes for an enriching and sustainable revival of Scotland's legendary Whisky Coast, once home to the Whisky Capital of the World.

Plans for over 13 new distilleries, as well as a number of innovative new whisky experiences and hotels, have recently been unveiled across Argyll and the Isles – an area which encompasses four of Scotland's recognised whisky regions - Campbeltown (once known as the Whisky Capital of the World), Islay, Highlands (Oban and Loch Lomond) and Islands (Jura and Tobermory). 

Putting these new developments into perspective:

• According to the Scotch Whisky Association, 13 distilleries have opened across the whole of Scotland in the past five years.
• Argyll and the Isles is currently home to 20 distilleries producing world-class whisky and gin products.
• At its peak in the nineteenth century, Argyll was home to more than 30 distilleries. This figure could be matched if all the proposed developments go ahead.

Recognising the significance of this, Cathy Craig, CEO of the Argyll and Isles Tourism Cooperative said: “Whisky, or Uisge Beatha has shaped communities and culture throughout Argyll and the Isles for centuries, so it is incredibly exciting to hear it could continue to do so in the future with so many planned new developments offering a world-class whisky experience across the region and existing businesses diversifying to offer new visitor experiences. These will be a fantastic addition to our year-round whisky calendar.

“Already known as Scotland's Whisky Coast due the high volume of world-class distilleries dotted along our coastline, this would give visitors so many more immersive ways to learn more about our important whisky heritage and why our destination, with its abundance of fertile landscapes, produces some of Scotland's finest food and drink.”

Renowned whisky author and Master of the Quaich Charlie Maclean added: “These developments are potentially massively significant for Argyll and the Isles. Whisky production in Argyll peaked in the nineteenth century when there were thirty-four distilleries producing some two-hundred thousand gallons a year, so with all the new developments, the area could be reaching or at least matching an all-time high.”

Argyll and Bute Council Leader Jim Lynch said: “Argyll and Bute is well known for its outstanding food and drink sector, and if these new developments come to fruition, they will provide a welcome boost to the area and the local economy. We already have more than 20 distilleries in Argyll and Bute producing world-class whisky, gin, and rum products. From large-scale companies to small micro-distillers, this fast-growing market creates much-needed employment and makes a valuable contribution to the local, Scottish and UK economies.

“In addition to new distilleries and visitor experiences, several existing distilleries in Campbeltown, Mull, Oban, and Islay are continuing to sustainably expand production, improve visitor facilities and develop pioneering approaches to sustainability and environmental responsibility. It is fantastic to see such innovation and growth happening right here on our doorstep.”

New Whisky Experiences

New whisky themed visitor experiences in Argyll & the Isles include:

• Ardbeg House (new for 2025) - Opening in September, Ardbeg House will offer visitors 'the ultimate whisky and hospitality experience' on the Isle of Islay, Ardbeg's island home. Inspired by the island's wild and untamed landscape, this stunning new hotel celebrates the spirit of Islay and the legendary stories of Ardbeg and its whiskies. Ardbeg House brings together the best of Islay's offerings - both on the plate and in the glass. 
  Costs from £230 per room per night (off peak).
  wildaboutargyll.co.uk/distillery-listings/ardbeg-distillery
• Whisky and Waves (new for 2026) - This new sailing tour operator is launching a wide range of whisky and sailing cruises aboard their 40ft yacht. Sailing from Oban's North Pier and Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, each cruise will feature a complimentary whisky tasting experience showcasing some the very best single malts that Scotland's Whisky Coast has to offer. Experiences include a 'Sail and Sip' Whisky Distillery Crawl.

Speaking about his new venture, founder Michael Sharkey said: “We're thrilled to be setting sail with our new whisky adventures in 2026. It will be a fantastic year for Scotland's Whisky Coast as we see some of the new distilleries take shape and The Clipper Race returns to Oban. Guests sailing with us will be given a chance to get a taste of the best of both worlds, enjoyed responsibly under our expert guidance.”
wildaboutargyll.co.uk/arts-activity-tour-listings/whisky-and-waves

• Island Nights, Whisky Flights at Another Place, The Machrie (new for 2025) - Another Place, The Machrie on Islay, renowned the world over for its championship golf and great food and drink, has launched a new whisky experience in partnership with progressive B Corp distillery Bruichladdich, which itself was revived in 2000. The new two-night escape gives whisky lovers the chance to immerse themselves in the spirited heritage of Islay whisky. Guests will enjoy a guided tour of the Hebridean distillery, which is home to Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore single malt whiskies, as well as The Botanist (Islay's first dry gin). As well as enjoying all that the island has to offer, guests can sample a complementary dram in their room – the perfect Islay nightcap. Prices from £291pp.

Speaking about the new experience Judi Blakeburn, chief commercial officer at Another Place, The Machrie said: “Ensuring our guests enjoy memorable experiences that authentically showcase the island's unique heritage, and the importance of protecting wild settings is at the heart of what we do. So we're very pleased to be working with one of the island's most progressive distilleries to offer guests a new experience that will take them to the heart of Scotland's whisky isle.”
another.place/the-machrie/breaks-offers/island-nights-whisky-flights

• The Wee Still at Oban Distillery (new for 2025) - Nestling beneath the steep cliff that overlooks Oban, one of Scotland's oldest sources of Single Malt Scotch Whisky has opened a new bar for 2025. A great way to conclude a tour of their working distillery, where visitors can learn about the whisky-making process, stopping at the production area, old filling store and dram room along the way.
  wildaboutargyll.co.uk/distillery-listings/oban-distillery/

Published proposals highlight plans for 13 new distilleries across Argyll and the Isles, including three in Campbeltown, six on Islay, one at Luss on the Banks of Loch Lomond, one at Inveraray Castle, and one in Ardrishaig, a coastal village on Loch Gilp.

Scotland's Whisky Coast

This complements the destination's year-round programme of whisky experiences.

Highlighting another way in which Argyll and the Isles is unique as a whisky destination, whisky enthusiast, founder of World Whisky Day and author of The Pocket Guide to Whisky, Blair Bowman said: “Argyll and the Isles encompasses four of Scotland's recognised whisky regions, earning it the title of Scotland's Whisky Coast. 

“Whisky is quite literally known in Scottish Gaelic as the Water of Life, uisge beatha, which is very apt. There is something magical about each and every sip. When you pick up a glass from Argyll and the Isles, you're not just picking up a drink, you're picking up a story of Scottish life too. It tells you story of history, a story of culture and a story of craftmanship – from the farmers producing barley to the unique distillation processes.”

To plan a world class food and drink experience on Scotland's Whisky Coast visit: wildaboutargyll.co.uk/eat-and-drink

Distillery Hopping on Scotland's Whisky Coast
Single-malt Scotch whisky is special. Special in provenance, heritage, production and taste. Made by a unique process of distillation and maturation, only whisky distilled in Scotland can claim the exclusive title of Scotch. And with four whisky regions – including the world-renowned island of Islay – there's no better destination for Scotch whisky than the Highlands and Islands of Argyll, Scotland's Whisky Coast. The Argyll and Isles Tourism Cooperative recommends a distillery hopping adventure:

Starting off at Oban Distillery: Oban Distillery, perched on the picturesque harbour, is one of Scotland's smallest distilleries. It's nice and close to Oban Whisky & Fine Wines Shop which has a huge range of single malts, including some rare and collectable whiskies.  

Then doing a little Hebridean island-hopping taking the ferry to Mull to visit Tobermory Distillery. This artisan distillery produces both whisky and gin and offers tours, tasting experiences and a shop offering distillery-exclusive lines.

For many, the ultimate whisky experience is a trip to Islay. This tiny wee island boasts nine working distilleries, producing whiskies that truly reflect their environment with a characteristic peaty flavour and a hint of salty air and seaweed. All the distilleries offer tours and each offer something unique. Kilchoman and Ardnahoe are the newest distilleries while Bowmore is thought to be one of the oldest in Scotland, notable for malting its own barley. At Caol Ila, visitors can see large-scale production, while Bruichladdich is refurbished in the old Victorian style. Ardbeg produces one of the peatiest flavours while Bunnahabhain produces a milder, unpeated whisky. Lagavulin produces one of Scotland's most famous whiskies while Laphroaig is the bestselling whisky on Islay.

No tour of the region would be complete without a trip to Campbeltown. Once the Whisky Capital of the World and home to 34 whisky distilleries. Springbank Distillery, which draws its water from Crosshill Loch, produces three signature malts. Visitors can tour Springbank Distillery (the only distillery in Scotland to complete the whole whisky-making process on site) and the nearby Kilkerran Distillery which opened in 2004 - the first distillery to open in Campbeltown for over 125 years. Glen Scotia Distillery uses small batch processing and retains much of its original design – including the mash sun, stillroom and dunnage warehouse. This distillery offers tours, warehouse tastings and a delightful Victorian-style shop.