Dallas Dhu, in Moray Speyside, is to return to operation as a distillery thanks to a joint operation between Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and Aceo Distillers Company Limited (Aceo).
The centuries-old distillery is being transformed into a unique heritage attraction, where visitors can experience traditional whisky production methods.
Dallas Dhu was built in the late 19th century by entrepreneur Alexander Edward and closed in 1983. However, it reopened as a museum in 1992.
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With the distillery, HES aims to highlight the rich history of Speyside whisky and the art of traditional Scotch whisky making.
Aceo plans improvements including bonded warehousing facilities, the eventual reintroduction of traditional whisky production and a new visitors centre.
Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at HES, hopes the reopening of Dallas Dhu as a distillery will provide opportunities for the local community.
He said: “Dallas Dhu offers a unique opportunity to showcase traditional distillation techniques as a living historical attraction.
“This reopening marks a new chapter for the distillery and we are confident it will attract visitors, whilst also delivering benefits to the local community and economy.”
HES confirmed that it will retain management of the site on behalf of the Scottish Ministers.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes called the opening of the distillery “fantastic” news for the community of Forres and for Scotland’s heritage.
She said: “This collaboration between Historic Environment Scotland and Aceo marks the beginning of a new chapter for the famous Dallas Dhu Distillery site.
“The reintroduction of whisky production and the expansion of the visitor experience will breathe new life into a historically significant distillery, demonstrating how Scotland’s cherished heritage can be simultaneously preserved and revitalised, ensuring that venues like Dallas Dhu continue to evolve and thrive.
“It’s fantastic news for the local community in Forres and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership has.”
HES has confirmed that the investment will prioritise sustainable improvements to the distillery to ensure the historic and artisanal nature of the distillation process remains at the heart of Dallas Dhu.
The distillery is best known for producing the popular Roderick Dhu blend, from which it has been making malt whisky for almost a century.
Edward Odim, CEO of Aceo, plans to make Dallas Dhu a must-see whisky distillery in Scotland.
He said: “The Aceo team is delighted to reopen the historic Dallas Dhu Distillery.
“Our vision is to make Dallas Dhu one of Scotland’s leading, must-see whisky distilleries, offering visitors a unique, personal whisky-making experience.
“The aim is to breathe new life into the distillery by first getting the original equipment up and running and re-establishing traditional whisky distillation. This revived, long-lost spirit will mature in Dallas Dhu’s well-preserved Victorian dunnage warehouses.
“In the longer term, the plan is to build a state-of-the-art visitors centre with exhibition and museum space and a café/restaurant, for visitors and the local community to enjoy.
“There will be a cooperage showcasing the art of the cooper, a working malt house and an interactive virtual reality whisky experience, delving deeper into the science behind Scotland’s famous drink. But we don’t just want to show how whisky is made, we also want to tell the social and economic story – past and present – of whisky production in Speyside, Scotland’s largest whisky-producing region.
“So it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work to breathe new life into this jewel in the crown of Scotch whisky distilleries.”