WHISKY production has returned to a historic Scottish community after nearly two centuries, with the first distillation marked by an exclusive ceremony.
To mark the Cabrach Distillery reviving the craft of whisky in Speyside, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes attended a ceremony with more than 100 guests, including members of the local community.
Widely regarded as a birthplace of malt whisky, The Cabrach is located in rural Moray on the edge of Speyside.
The location is where three legal distilleries thrived following the introduction of legal production in 1823.
The first distillation of the new spirit took place at Inverharroch Farm, within restored 19th century stone steadings, and The Cabrach Trust’s community-led regeneration plan hopes to see the development of a bistro and heritage centre alongside the distillery.
It is understood that all future profits generated by the distillery are set to be used to further progress The Cabrach Trust’s community regeneration vision.
The distillery was also a recipient of the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund; a commitment targeted at projects in the North East and Moray which contribute towards the region’s transition to net zero.
During the ceremony, Forbes inspected the distillery stillhouse as the first spirit flowed through the spirit safe. She later delivered a speech in the dunnage warehouse, reflecting on "the bravery of the project" and the "transformational" economic impact of the site.
The Cabrach Distillery will distil, mature and bottle a handcrafted single malt Scotch whisky.
Jonathan Christie, chief executive officer of The Cabrach Trust, said: “Our first distillation represents a long-awaited, landmark milestone in our journey to revive the lost spirit of The Cabrach.
"This is a project that will serve as the economic lungs of our regeneration vision for this special place, attracting thousands of visitors to the area, captivated by the incredible history and timeless landscapes of The Cabrach.
“It has been a privilege to share this occasion with the Deputy First Minister, and we greatly appreciate the Scottish Government’s continued support of our mission. The wild spirit of The Cabrach will now be filled into fine casks to begin its patient maturation which, in time, will culminate in the release of The Cabrach Single Malt Scotch Whisky.”
Forbes said: “The Cabrach Distillery was one of the first projects to secure monies from the Just Transition Fund, a £75 million Scottish Government initiative to create jobs and support innovation across the North East and Moray.
“As a social enterprise and whisky distillery it’s a unique part of the vibrant food and drink sector which makes a valuable contribution to the national and local economies. Today’s ceremony signals the start of a new chapter for The Cabrach and its ambitions to be a leading example of community-led, rural regeneration.”
Grant Gordon OBE, founder and chair of The Cabrach Trust, added: “The Cabrach is my home as well that of my ancestors, but in my lifetime, I’ve witnessed firsthand decades of abandonment and decline.
“Since The Cabrach Trust was established in 2013, we have witnessed the growing support of the community, further strengthened by an ever-increasing membership. The creation of The Cabrach Distillery sits at the heart of our regeneration aims for The Cabrach. This is a unique community asset that will celebrate an important part of The Cabrach’s cultural identity, whilst creating an extraordinary Single Malt Whisky.”
“I’m immeasurably proud today.”
The Cabrach Distillery has also introduced The Cabrach Collective, a small community of founding champions who will join the journey to revive the long-lost craft of whisky making in The Cabrach.
