Macallan Distillery Speyside, Scottish Whisky Development, Moray Visitor Centre Building

Macallan Distillery Speyside Building

Whisky Production Building in Moray, Scotland design by Rogers, Stirk, Harbour and Partners

22 May 2018
Macallan Distillery in Speyside, Speyside, Scotland
Design: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP), Architects

photos © Simon PricePA Wire
New Macallan Distillery in Speyside, Scotland
The striking piece of contemporary architecture is cut into the slope of the land, taking its cues from ancient Scottish hills and maximising the aesthetic beauty of the building whilst minimising the visual impact on the Speyside landscape.

page updated 30 Dec 2016 with new images ; 4 Dec 2014

Macallan Distillery in Moray, Speyside

Work begins on new distillery and visitor centre for The Macallan

Design: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP)

Location: Easter Elchies, Charlestown of Aberlour AB38 9RX, Scotland

4 December 2014 – The official start of works on a new whisky distillery and visitor centre for The Macallan in Speyside has been marked by Graham Stirk, Partner at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP), who was joined on site by Edrington Chief Executive Ian Curle and Bill Robertson, Executive Chairman of main contractor Robertson.

Bill Robertson, Ian Curle and Graham Stirk (l-r) with bottles of Macallan whisky at the official opening of works at the site of the new distillery in Speyside. Graham Stirk is holding an archive bottle of The Macallan, which will be available for viewing for the first time at the new visitor centre:

The new facility received planning permission in August this year and the project will deliver significant benefits to the national and local economy. Designed by RSHP to complement the natural beauty of the area and The Macallan Estate, which overlooks the River Spey, the new home of The Macallan is scheduled to open to the public in spring 2017.

Graham Stirk, lead architect on the project, said: “Our design for the distillery and visitor centre celebrates the whisky-making process as well as the environment that has inspired it. The design is essentially a series of a grass-covered undulating roof forms that are sympathetic to this Area of Great Landscape Value. Together we are creating a bespoke building for The Macallan that will further enhance the visitor experience whilst ensuring the on-going quality of this unique Single Malt.”

The Macallan is one of the core brands of Edrington, Scotland’s premier producer and distributor of global spirits brands. Ian Curle said: “Today represents an exciting new chapter for Edrington and a major step in The Macallan’s long-term commitment to be the leading premium spirit in the world. The collaboration between Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP), Robertson, and Forsyths brings together one of the world’s leading architects and the elite of Scottish craftsmen. Over the next three years we will bring The Macallan brand experience to life in a truly unique style.”

Bill Robertson said: “We are delighted to officially commence works today. The site will be dramatically transformed over the coming months as the iconic distillery and visitor centre starts to take shape. By understanding the vision of The Macallan and working in partnership with them, RSHP and Forsyths, we will deliver a truly beautiful and inspirational building.”

5 Aug 2014

Macallan Distillery in Moray

The Macallan receives planning permission for new £100m Distillery in Speyside

Design: Rogers, Stirk, Harbour and Partners

The Macallan has today (5th August 2014) been granted planning permission by The Moray Council for a new £100m iconic distillery and visitor centre.

New Macallan Distillery

Works will now progress on the delivery of the new facility which is scheduled to open to the public in Spring 2017. The Macallan, one of the core brands of Edrington, Scotland’s premier producer and distributor of global spirits brands, has appointed Robertson, as preferred contractor for the new facility and Forsyths of Rothes as supplier of the distillation equipment.

Graham Hutcheon, Group Operations Director, Edrington, said: “We are delighted with the decision taken today by The Moray Council planning committee. This permission enables us to forge ahead with our work on site. Following a competitive tender process we have selected Robertson as our preferred contractor to deliver our new distillery and visitor centre. We have assembled a first class team, including internationally renowned architects Rogers, Stirk, Harbour and Partners, and are confident that Robertson will complement the existing team and our aspirations for this project.

“Only the external appearance of the distillery will change, the exceptional quality of The Macallan, which has been produced for many years using copper stills from Forsyths, will not be compromised and the same focus on attention to detail and personal care of the whisky’s production will be upheld. The new distillery will undoubtedly become one of the most talked about distilleries, not only in Speyside but globally, and we look forward to starting on site soon.”

In addition to creating a site of major architectural significance, the new distillery will ensure the on-going quality control of the production of The Macallan, both of which further consolidate The Macallan’s position as one of the world’s leading luxury spirits. Over time the distillery will deliver additional capacity to meet the growing demand from existing and new international markets. With its rolling roofscape, the distillery has been designed to complement the natural beauty of the area and The Macallan Estate, which overlooks the River Spey.

Bill Robertson, Executive Chairman, Robertson, said: “We are delighted and honoured to have been selected by The Macallan to build their new world-class, iconic distillery and visitor centre.

“As a local business we have worked in the whisky industry for many, many years and fully understand the aspirations of the sector. Perhaps more importantly we have taken the time to understand The Macallan, the business, its objectives and its reputation for high quality in all it does.

The project will be delivered in true partnership between ourselves and The Macallan and will result in a distillery and visitor centre which will become the benchmark for others to aspire to.”

Graham Hutcheon, Edrington, concluded; “With Robertson and Forsyths joining our professional team, we are delighted that regionally based businesses will benefit from our investment. It is anticipated that due to the locations of both these companies even greater economic and employment benefits for the local and surrounding areas will be realised.”

The Macallan is recognised around the world as a marque of excellence and craftsmanship. The new facility will embody The Macallan’s uncompromising approach to quality and luxury. Work on site is due to commence in October this year.

Macallan Distillery in Moray images / information received 05082014

Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners on e-architect

Address: Macallan Distillery, Easter Elchies, Charlestown of Aberlour AB38 9RX Scotland
Phone: 01340 871471