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Benbecula
Distillery secures £1.5 Million
investment to fuel growth in the Outer
Hebrides.
Benbecula Distillery, one of Scotland’s
newest whisky producers located in the
Outer Hebrides, has received a £1.5
million investment boost from the
British Business Bank's Investment Fund
for Scotland. Delivered through Maven
Capital Partners, the funding marks the
fund’s first equity investment in the
Highlands and Islands and will enable
the distillery to scale production,
support whisky maturation, and expand
its local team.
Reviving a recipe crafted over 130 years
ago, Benbecula Distillery began
production in spring 2024 and has
quickly carved out a distinctive voice
in Scotland’s whisky landscape. Its
visitor centre and café, which opened in
April 2025, offers guided tours,
tastings, and island-inspired cuisine,
creating new employment opportunities
while attracting locals and tourists
alike.
The distillery is led by founder Angus
MacMillan and managing director Hector
MacLeod, both born and raised on the
islands. Master distiller Brendan
McCarron, whose career includes senior
roles with Moët Hennessy and Distell,
oversees production. McCarron is widely
respected for the critically acclaimed
whiskies he has crafted for
Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Oban, Tobermory,
Deanston, and Bunnahabhain.
The investment coincides with the launch
of Benbecula’s second private cask
offering, giving enthusiasts and
investors early access to the
distillery’s spirit ahead of its first
bottled releases. Following last year’s
sell-out, a further 120 casks are now
available across three styles: Palo
Cortado Hogshead, Red Wine Barrique, and
Bourbon Barrel. The distillery plans to
sell private casks only during its first
three years of production.
Angus MacMillan, founder, said:
"Securing this investment is a major
milestone for us and for the island. It
gives us the ability to scale production
with confidence, continue creating
skilled jobs locally, and develop
visitor experiences that bring people
closer to our story. Most importantly,
it allows us to keep laying down spirit
for future generations. Benbecula
Distillery was founded to celebrate the
Outer Hebrides’ people and place and
this backing helps us realise that
vision."
Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment
Manager at Nations & Regions Investment
Funds, added: "The Investment Fund for
Scotland was created to fund ambitious
businesses across the country, and
Benbecula Distillery is the perfect
example of the kind of bold,
community-rooted venture we’re proud to
see the fund support. This investment
will not only fuel the development of a
distinctive whisky brand but also drive
job creation and economic growth in the
Outer Hebrides, inviting locals and
visitors from further afield to visit
the Isles and try some of Scotland’s
best spirit. The distillery team’s
dedication to its craft and local impact
mirrors our mission to help smaller
businesses succeed and we are eager to
see where they take the brand next."
Launched in October 2023, the £150
million Investment Fund for Scotland
aims to improve access to finance and
boost the Scottish economy. Offering
loans from £25,000 to £2 million and
equity investment up to £5 million, the
fund supports small and medium-sized
businesses to start up, scale, or stay
ahead, fostering sustainable economic
growth across the country.
Rob Stevenson, Investment Manager at
Maven, said: "We’re excited to announce
our investment in Benbecula Distillery
and to back an ambitious and passionate
local Hebridean team. What stood out to
us immediately was the distillery’s
dedication to craft, a deep respect for
industry tradition, and a clear vision
for the future, which includes a strong
commitment to doing things the right
way. We believe the investment has the
potential to bolster the island
community while building a brand that
celebrates Scotland’s whisky heritage.
"Benbecula Distillery was first
introduced to Maven and the Investment
Fund for Scotland as part of a ‘Meet the
Investor’ clinic, hosted by Maven to
connect entrepreneurs across Scotland
with growth capital. Benbecula
Distillery is the second business to
secure investment through this
programme, underscoring Maven’s
commitment to supporting ambitious
businesses nationwide."
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