An untamed landscape forged on Scotland’s Atlantic Coast, the Hebrides have always held a special appeal for travellers. Here you will journey by land and by sea through iconic scenery, where elements of ocean and mountain, Norse and Gaelic are distilled into whiskies of special character.
While our spirits and distilleries offer varied delights, we share one common trait: the passion to create the finest single malt Scotch whisky. At each destination you will meet knowledgeable islanders who will teach you the specialties of their craft, and more. Each distillery has deep roots into their local community, and they are eager to share stories of their people and provenance which are the bedrock of their success.
Chart your journey along the Hebridean Whisky Trail and discover six distinctive single malt Scotch whisky distilleries on five stunning Hebridean islands.
ISLE OF SKYE
The Isle of Skye is well known for the colourful coastal village of Portree, the stoic Old Man of Storr and Quiraing in the north, and its dramatic and moody Cuillin Mountains in the south. 50 miles in length, the island holds many treasures to find off the beaten track.
Talisker Distillery
The oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, at Talisker Distillery you will experience the beautiful landscape and the intense and powerful flavours of this popular single malt, a whisky as wild, raw and yet refined as the island itself. This distillery is currently undergoing exciting renovations and is closed to visitors until further notice.
Near Talisker is the road to the ever popular Fairy Pools at Glenbrittle, blue-green pools and waterfalls with the majestic Cuillins framing a photogenic backdrop. If it’s warm weather, you may find people swimming here.
Romantics may choose to drive up to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, home to the Macleods, where they can see the flag given to them for protection by the fairies and stroll amongst beautiful gardens surely still cared for by the fairies. Neist Point Lighthouse is another nearby romantic destination, offering picturesque views of the dramatic point, especially at sunset.
A busy place for hill walkers and backpackers sitting right at the foot of the Cuillins, the Sligachan Hotel is ideally positioned for a bite to eat or spend the night. Seamus’ Bar in the hotel is an award-winning whisky bar with over 400 single malts from all over Scotland, including samples from each of our Hebridean Whisky Trail distilleries.
Torabhaig Distillery
Torabhaig Distillery is housed in an old farm steading which has been lovingly restored. Visitors can take a guided distillery tour where you will hear of the journeyman’s experience of 9 apprentice distillers in their quest for the perfect single malt. You will also enjoy a tutored tasting of Torabhaig Allt Gleann, the second expression in a series of four leading to their first 10-year-old release. There is a lovely panoramic view from the visitor centre out to Caisteal Camus and across the waters to the mainland.
Torabhaig is on the Sleat Peninsula, commonly known as the Garden of Skye for its green, lush vegetation. Nearby is the ancestral home of Clan Donald at Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum. The ruins of the castle at Dun Sgathaich can also be found on the Sleat peninsula, where the legendary Cù Chulainn is thought to have received his military training from the mighty Queen Sgathaich.
ISLE OF RAASAY
Isle of Raasay Distillery
Raasay is known for its breath-taking natural beauty, exaggerated landscapes, impressive geology, and an incredibly diverse ecosystem. At the Isle of Raasay Distillery, every drop of spirit is distilled, matured and bottled on the island using water from the Raasay Distillery well, maximising the influence of the island on the spirit, and the distillery on the island. Visit the distillery to learn more about their carefully crafted six cask recipe used for their signature expression, lightly peated, balanced with dark rich fruit flavours. You may also get the chance to taste their gin or pair their spirits with chocolate.
Near the distillery are several historical sites including a Class II Pictish Stone, the remains of St. Moluag’s Chapel and Dun Borodale. Raasay House offers a range of fun outdoor activities. Hillwalkers braving the ascent to the top of Dun Caan are rewarded with panoramic views of Applecross on the mainland, and westward to the Cuillin on Skye, the Outer Hebrides and beyond. Not to be missed is Calum’s Road, taking in the impressive stonemasonry of Brochel Castle along the way.
Spend the night in the distillery itself, the only distillery in Scotland where you can stay overnight in the same building as a working distillery, or at nearby Raasay House.
ISLE OF HARRIS
Isle of Harris Distillery
At the Isle of Harris Distillery, the future of their community is at the heart of everything they do as their local staff distil world class spirits and offer the very best of island hospitality. The guided tour offers insight into what their maturing whisky will be like, shares the story and a taste of their gin, and reveals the craftsmanship of their iconic bottle and the social impact of the distillery on the local community.
While in Tarbert, you can pop into the Harris Tweed shop to learn more about this traditional craft or visit nearby Essence of Harris shop for candles and home fragrances. The Hotel Hebrides and Harris Hotel both offer comfortable accommodation for the weary traveller.
From Tarbert, the road north to Huisinish is not for the faint of heart, a winding single track road through the Harris hills, through the garden of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle and onwards to the machair and beach at Huisinish, where you can get lovely views across to the nearby island of Scarp. This area of Harris is very popular with hill walkers.
Exploring the rest of Harris, you will discover the many iconic Caribbean-like beaches with golden sands and clear blue waters, one of the world's most picturesque 9 hole golf courses at Scarista, the historic St Clement’s Church in Rodel, the Seallam! Visitor centre about Outer Hebridean life, and many stunning walks about the island.
ISLE OF BENBECULA
North Uist Distillery
North Uist Distillery is a family owned business working towards production of heritage barley whisky with strong, island provenance. Currently named Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year and producing the award winning range of island inspired Downpour gin, this small, friendly team looks forward to welcoming you to their historic home in Benbecula’s Nunton Steadings.
Just a stone's throw away is the stunning Culla Bay, the perfect place for a picnic, and in the right conditions and with the right experience, catching some waves. Nearby is the popular sandy beach of Balivanich.
While on Benbecula, you can turn that dream of riding horseback along a white beach with crystal blue waters into a reality with Uist Community Riding School. No Scottish island visit is complete without seeing ruins, you can see remains of 14th century Borve Castle, or visit St Toranan's temple to St Columba.
ISLE OF JURA
Jura Distillery
Beginning at the southern tip of the Hebridean Whisky Trail, the island of Jura is famed for its wilderness. With over 6000 red deer and only about 200 people, it is a popular destination for wildlife spotting. Walkers will be challenged ascending the Paps of Jura, and for sea-adventurers, the world’s third largest whirlpool is nearby.
Guides at Jura Distillery will tell you stories about the rough waters near the island and how that led to the iconic shape of their whisky bottles. Here you will see some of the tallest stills in any distillery, producing the smooth, bright and lively whisky Jura is known for. The Jura Distillery was established in 1810 and reborn in 1963 to bring new life to the island and the community. It is situated in Craighouse, the hub of the island, with one shop, one restaurant, one hotel, and everything else one might need. If you’re still thirsty, the isle of Jura is also home to a gin distillery, a rum distillery and a microbrewery.
Embark on a whisky journey like no other and join us on the Hebridean Whisky Trail to experience our passion for our islands, our landscapes and our whiskies, and discover for yourself the unique Spirit of the Isles following this spectacular route by land and sea. Visit hebrideanwhisky.com for more information.
