A HISTORIC distillery in the Highlands is set to reopen its doors after being closed for more than 40 years.
Dallas Dhu, in Moray Speyside, will commence as a functioning distillery once again thanks to a joint operation between Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and Aceo Distillers Company Limited (Aceo).
The century-old distillery is set to be transformed into a unique heritage attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to experience traditional whisky production methods.
Dallas Dhu was built by entrepreneur Alexander Edward in the late 1800s and closed its doors in 1983 before reopening as a museum in 1992.
HES wants the focus of the distillery to showcase the rich history of Speyside whisky and the art of traditional Scottish whisky making.
Aceo are planning improvements which include bonded warehousing facilities, the eventual reintroduction of traditional whisky production, and a new visitor centre.
Stephen Duncan, director of marketing and engagement at HES, hopes the reopening of Dallas Dhu as a distillery will bring opportunities to the local community.
He said: “Dallas Dhu offers a unique opportunity to showcase traditional distilling techniques as a living history attraction.
“This reopening marks a new chapter for the distillery, and we are confident it will attract visitors, while also bringing benefits to the local community and economy.”
HES confirmed they will retain guardianship of the site on behalf of Scottish ministers.
Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, has hailed the opening of the distillery as “fantastic” news for the Forres community and for Scottish heritage.
She said: “This collaboration between Historic Environment Scotland and Aceo marks the start of a new chapter for the celebrated Dallas Dhu Distillery site.
“The re-introduction of whisky production and expansion of the visitor experience will breathe new life into a historically significant distillery, showing how Scotland's treasured heritage assets can be preserved and revitalised at the same time, so that sites like Dallas Dhu continue to evolve and flourish.
“It's fantastic news for the local community in Forres, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will bring.”
HES have confirmed that investment will prioritise sustainable improvements to the distillery to ensure the historic and artisanal nature of the distilling process remains central at Dallas Dhu.
The distillery is notably famous for producing malt whisky for the popular Roderick Dhu blend for nearly a century.
Edward Odim, managing director at Aceo, plans to make Dallas Dhu a must-see whisky distillery in Scotland.
He said “The Aceo Team are thrilled to be reopening the historic Dallas Dhu Distillery.
“Our vision is to make Dallas Dhu one of the leading, must-see whisky distilleries in Scotland, giving visitors a unique, close-up experience of whisky making.
“The aim is to breathe life back into the distillery by first getting the original equipment working and traditional whisky distilling going once again. This revived, long-lost spirit will be matured in Dallas Dhu’s well-preserved Victorian dunnage warehouses.
“Longer-term, the plan is for a state-of-the-art visitor centre with exhibition and museum space, and a café/restaurant, to be enjoyed by visitors and the local community.
“There will be a cooperage displaying the art of the cooper, a working malting floor and an interactive virtual reality whisky experience, that delves into the science behind Scotland’s famous spirit. But, as well as show how whisky is made, we intend to tell the social and economic story – past and present – of whisky production in Speyside, Scotland’s largest whisky producing region.
“So, it’s time for us to roll up our sleeves and get going on reviving this jewel in the crown of Scotland’s whisky distilleries.”
