The Hebridean Whisky Trail

Cuillins

Last month’s blog described the Isle of Barra Distillery project, which is currently offering the opportunity to invest in this exciting social enterprise initiative.  The Isle of Barra Distillery joins the distilleries on Skye, Raasay and Harris, which form the Hebridean Whisky Trail, launched in August 2018 by Karen Betts, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association. [Image credit: go-skye.co.uk]

The current 115-mile Whisky Trail route connects four island distilleries: the Isle of Raasay Distillery, Torabhaig Distillery and Talisker Distillery on Skye, and the Isle of Harris Distillery.

Each distillery brings its own individual and distinctive character to the table, each island its own environment and atmosphere.  Their operations span a timescale from 1830 (Talisker) to 2017 (Raasay) and each establishment brings its own lore, approach and practices to the world of whisky making.

Followers of the the Hebridean trail can travel by road – via the Skye Bridge, the Northern tip of the Trail on Harris, or the Southern tip on Skye’s Sleat Peninsula – or by sea.  Calmac ferries link the three destinations, and individual yachts people can berth their vessels close to each distillery.

The fascination of the Hebridean Whisky Trail adds to the area’s enduring natural attractions – from the high peaks of Skye to the white sandy beaches of Harris.  The Hebridean Whisky Trail also complements Scotland’s long-established Speyside Whisky trail, which takes visitors on a tour of distilleries in Moray, another of Scotland’s most beautiful and visitor friendly areas.

Following the Hebridean Trail will, like the Speyside Trail, allow the visitor to increase their knowledge of Scotland’s whiskies, and the distilleries which make them, while enjoying some of our most beautiful and welcoming locations and scenery.  Sounds like win-win to me!

Ally Reid