Holyrood Distillery

About

Holyrood Distillery, located at 19 St Leonard’s Lane in the heart of Edinburgh, opened in 2019 as the city’s first new distillery in almost a century. Housed in the historic goods shed of St Leonard’s railway station, the modern, open‑plan plant produces both Scotch whisky and gin using Lowland techniques and experimental, heirloom barley varieties. A typical visitor experience lasts about two hours, guiding guests from a warm reception area through the spirits laboratory, still room and cask cellar, with a live guide explaining the distillation process in real time. The venue also features an indoor bar and tasting room where visitors can sample the distillery’s single‑malt whisky portfolio and gin range. In 2023 Holyrood earned the title of UK’s best gin distillery and was honoured as Distiller of the Year at the World Whiskies Awards the following year, cementing its reputation as a benchmark of Scottish craft‑whisky innovation. Beyond public tours, the distillery hosts private events, educational workshops and community outreach projects, making it a dynamic hub for Scotland’s emerging spirit culture.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes