The historic Glencadam Distillery in the East Highlands has officially opened a newly built visitor centre in Brechin, inviting whisky enthusiasts from across the globe to experience two centuries of traditional craftsmanship in a contemporary, immersive environment.
The opening is a major milestone in Glencadam’s bicentenary year, with the multi-million-pound project offering an engaging discovery of the distillery’s legacy and whisky production techniques. For the first time in its 200-year history, visitors are now able to access behind-the-scenes areas of one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries.
From Saturday, 15 November, guests can join guided tours, take part in expert-led tastings, and explore an interactive exhibition that traces Glencadam’s story from its founding in 1825 to its standing today among Scotland’s notable single malts. The new visitor destination also includes a whisky lounge, café, retail store and a function space, carefully balancing historic charm with modern visitor hospitality.
The development is set to provide positive economic benefits locally, with 12 new roles already created across touring, retail and hospitality, and visitor numbers expected to contribute to wider tourism in the Highlands.
Iain Lochhead, Director at Angus Dundee Distillers, owners of Glencadam Distillery, said: “Opening our doors today is a moment of immense pride for everyone at Glencadam. This visitor centre is more than a building — it’s a celebration of 200 years of tradition, people and place, providing a unique opportunity to explore the history, craftsmanship and stories behind one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. It marks an exciting new chapter not just for Glencadam Distillery, but for the entire Brechin community.”
The design of the visitor centre preserves and reinterprets heritage features from the original site alongside newly crafted internal spaces. A standout detail is the restored stone exterior, built using reclaimed stone from the former Brechin Infirmary, blending the town’s architectural legacy with Glencadam’s historical identity. A working internal waterwheel, inspired by the original mechanism that powered the distillery in 1825, has also been incorporated as a tribute to the past.
Above the entrance, two newly installed Doig Ventilators – designed in the style of Charles Doig’s iconic 19th-century pagoda roofs – now crown the building, bringing natural ventilation and light into the interior. Each has been finished with an ornamental spire and sphere, echoing the traditional silhouette found across historic Scottish distilleries.
From the distinctive roofline to the hands-on exhibition displays, every element has been thoughtfully curated to reflect Glencadam’s role in Scotland’s whisky heritage.
Project Manager Gary Milligan said: “Every element tells the story of Glencadam’s enduring craft and connection to place. It’s about honouring the past while investing in the community for generations to come.”
The visitor experience is led by Brand Home Manager Michael van der Veen and Deputy Brand Home Manager Lauren Oliver, who have worked closely with the wider Glencadam team to ensure an authentic and welcoming guest journey.
Tours will be available from Thursday to Monday beginning Saturday, 15 November, while the retail store will operate daily.
Iain Lochhead added: “Whether you’re discovering Glencadam for the first time or returning as a long-time fan, our new visitor centre allows us to share the depth of our history, the craft behind each dram and the people who have shaped our story over two centuries. We can’t wait to share the next chapter of our story with you.”
As Glencadam welcomes its first visitors to the whisky lounge, the distillery looks ahead to the future — continuing its tradition of producing award-winning single malt whisky while opening its doors to those eager to explore where the story began in the heart of Brechin.