Distillery to expand events programme

A distillery and visitor attraction in Kintyre is building on the success of its growing events programme by expanding its capacity to accommodate more activities.

Beinn an Tuirc Distillery has secured up to £21,740 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to support the move.

The HIE funding will contribute towards the total project costs of £54,350 to purchase and install a 10m geodome and upgrade catering facilities as part of ongoing measures to diversify the business to ensure sustainable growth.

Beinn an Tuirc (hill of the boar) was established in 2016 by Niall Macalister Hall, owner of Torrisdale Estate near Campbeltown, following the renovation of outbuildings on the estate. It sold its first Kintyre Gin in 2017. Tasting rooms were added in 2018, a café and gin school in 2019 and then two accommodation bothies in 2022.

In 2023 operators, Beinn an Tuirc Distillers Limited, ran a programme of successful events including tours and gin school, supper clubs, foraging course and guided walks.

This latest expansion is to build on this to further enhance the attraction and the wider tourism offering in Kintyre. It is expected to lead to a £526k increase in turnover, while supporting 2.5 full time equivalent jobs in a rural area.

HIE has worked with Beinn an Tuirc since the outset, supporting the business during start up and subsequent growth.

Morag Goodfellow, HIE area manager for Argyll and the Islands, said:

“Argyll and the Islands is renowned for its food and drink as well as tourism offerings. Beinn an Tuirc Distillery has quickly established itself as a key player in this growth sector, creating valuable rural employment and adding to the area’s appeal for visitors.

“This latest project by Beinn an Tuirc is the next step in the growth of an important year-round attraction that contributes to the area’s wider tourism appeal, and encourages more visitors to come and to stay longer. I’m very pleased we’ve been able to support the move and look forward to continuing to work with the team at Beinn an Tuirc.”

Niall Macalister Hall said:

“We are delighted to secure this funding to help progress to the next stage of our business. We are seeing strong demand for various events at Torrisdale, and the distillery in particular, and this will help us to both accommodate the extra footfall and to provide a unique offering to the area.”