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First
Minister John Swinney officially opens
Luss Distillery, a major new
multi-million-pound whisky tourism
destination on Loch Lomond in the
historic village of Luss, marking one of
Scotland’s most significant recent
investments in whisky tourism.
The First Minister of Scotland, Rt. Hon.
John Swinney MSP, has formally opened
Luss Distillery — a newly developed,
multi-million-pound distillery and
visitor attraction created by Loch
Lomond Group on the shores of Loch
Lomond.
Opened just ahead of the peak tourist
period, Luss Distillery represents one
of the most notable recent investments
in Scotland’s whisky tourism landscape,
highlighting Loch Lomond Group’s strong
commitment to the nation’s spirits
sector.
At today’s event, the First Minister
unveiled the new flagship visitor
destination from Loch Lomond Group.
Situated within the historic village of
Luss at the entrance to the Scottish
Highlands, the site has been designed as
an immersive experience for whisky and
gin aficionados, as well as visitors
exploring Scotch whisky and premium
spirits for the first time.
The custom-built complex features four
main structures, including a working
distillery, interactive whisky and gin
discovery zones, a dedicated tasting
room, retail facilities, and a café with
views across Loch Lomond. Collectively,
these spaces serve as a dynamic home for
Loch Lomond Group’s award-winning
portfolio. The retail area also presents
expressions from across the Group’s
brands, such as Glen Scotia and
Littlemill single malts, in addition to
other high-end spirits and Champagne.
After a soft launch in late 2025, Luss
Distillery is projected to welcome as
many as one million visitors throughout
2026, making the most of Luss's
reputation as one of Scotland’s most
popular destinations for both domestic
and international travellers.
During the official opening, the First
Minister toured the distillery and
visitor centre, acknowledging the
importance of Scotch whisky to the
Scottish economy and the positive impact
the new site is expected to deliver. He
then unveiled a commemorative plaque to
mark the opening.
To conclude the visit, Loch Lomond Group
presented the First Minister with a
personalised bottle of Loch Lomond 14
Year Old Luss Exclusive Cask — one of
only 291 bottles available exclusively
at the distillery, which is said to
demonstrate the distillers’ exceptional
skill in flavour craftsmanship.
Colin Matthews, Founder and CEO of Loch
Lomond Group and Council Member of the
Scotch Whisky Association, said:
"Scotland is celebrated worldwide for
its tourism, its exceptional Scotch
whisky and spirits, and the natural
beauty of places such as Loch Lomond and
the Scottish Highlands. At Luss
Distillery, we have brought these
elements together to create a truly
memorable destination - one that
welcomes seasoned whisky and gin
enthusiasts, as well as those curious to
discover the people, place, the craft
and passion behind our brands.
"We have long held ambitions to open a
destination like this here on the banks
of Loch Lomond, and it is a real
privilege to have the First Minister
mark this occasion with us as we look
ahead to a busy spring and summer
season.
"Scotland’s spirits sector is facing
challenging times, which makes continued
investment more important than ever. As
one of the largest independent
distillers in Scotland, we remain
steadfast in our commitment to quality,
history, authenticity and innovation,
and we will continue to play a prominent
role in developing Scotch whisky and the
wider spirits industry to ensure it
remains relevant, exciting and appealing
to modern consumers.
“We call on the First Minister and
colleagues across the political spectrum
to continue their strong support for
this great historic industry and the
meaningful contribution it makes to
Scotland and the wider UK."
Colin concluded: "Every detail at Luss
has been designed to celebrate the
character of our spirits and the
extraordinary landscape that inspires
them, and we look forward to welcoming
visitors throughout 2026."
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney
said: "It has been a pleasure to open
the new Luss Distillery on the banks of
Loch Lomond. The distillery and visitor
centre not only adds to the quality of
the tourism offering in Luss but also to
Scotland’s international reputation as a
world class destination for visitors.
"This investment by the Loch Lomond
Group is extremely welcome, particularly
when there are serious challenges
impacting on the whisky sector, both at
home and abroad.
"The spirits sector may be defined by
its 170 export markets, its
approximately £5.3 billion contribution
to the Scottish economy, and the
thousands of jobs it sustains, but it is
the history and stories behind it, like
those told here, that capture people’s
imagination and bring visitors from
across the world. Telling the story of
the history and quality of our produce
and its importance to Scotland’s
economy, like that at Luss Distillery,
is a key priority of my government and
we will continue to do all we can to
support this vital industry."
The creative direction and experiential
design for the distillery were led by
Scottish studio Paul Hodgkiss Designs,
in collaboration with Diverse Contracts
and brand experience agency Hot Pickle.
Their aim from the outset was to craft a
structure that harmonises with its
surroundings, inspired by the landscape
and rhythms of Loch Lomond & The
Trossachs National Park.
The result is a modern distillery that
honours sustainability, cultural
heritage, and community.
Luss Distillery will welcome visitors
daily from 10am to 5pm.
You will find the current
Glenfiddich whisky range available from specialist online whisky
shops such as
The Whisky Exchange
and
Master of Malt
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