Scottish Whisky regions
The Single Malt Whiskies of Scotland were traditionally grouped into four different main regions, Highlands, Campbeltown, Lowlands and Islay. This was not based on specification but it had something to do with earlier regulations and excise. Later on two more (sub) groups were added, the Islands and Speyside. It’s hard to imagine Campbeltown as a separate region but at one time the town had more than 20 distilleries!

So the six distinct whisky regions in Scotland, each with their own characteristics, are The Highlands, Islands, Lowland, Islay, Campbeltown and Speyside.

Below is a selection of Malt Whisky Distilleries by region. This list gives an overview of the most interesting and/or popular distilleries and the possibilities for a guided tour. Please always check the opening times of a distillery yourself before planning a visit. You are not the first one to be disappointed in the summertime, silent season, or any other time for that matter.

Speyside Distilleries

Cragganmore Distillery
One of the Classic Malt Distilleries located on the banks of the river Spey close to Ballindaloch Castle. Tours are available but limited and only on appointment from august to september. Tel: +44 (0) 1340 872555

Dalwhinnie Distillery
The Dalwhinnie Distillery is located in a very remote location at the T-junction from the A9 and A889. Tours are available. Check their website for exact data. Tel: +44 (0) 1540 672219.

Glenfiddich Distillery
Glenfiddich Distillery is located on the A941 approximately half a mile north of Dufftown. Glenfiddich Distillery does a good tour and a multilingual film to start with. Tours are available at weekdays from 9.30 a.m to 4.30 p.m. Tel: +44 (0)1340 820373

Glenlivet Distillery
Glenlivet distillery is beautifully situated in a lovely Speyside Valley. The distillery was established in 1824 by George Smith. Opening times April to November monday to friday 09.30 to 16.00 hours. Tel no : 01340-821720

The Macallan Distillery
Easter Elchies House, spiritual home of The Macallan. Opening Times: Easter – Oct, Mon to Sat, 9.30am till 5pm November – Easter, Mon to Fri, 9.30am till 5pm (Last guided tour 3.30pm.). Tel: +44(0)1340 872 280

Islay Distilleries

Bowmore Distillery
Bowmore Distillery is the oldest distillery on Islay. They can be contacted by telephone 01496 810 671. Tours given all year round Monday-Friday at 10am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm. Saturdays by appointment only. Facilities for disabled. Gift Shop.

Bruichladdich Distillery
Bruichladdich Distillery is on the road to Port Charlotte. Closed in 1993 but reopened in May 2001. Guided tours Monday – Saturday all year round. Tel: 01496 850 190. Check out the webcams on their website!

Lagavulin Distillery
Lagavulin Distillery (near Port Ellen) is one of the most distinctive Islay malts owned by Diageo. Telephone 01496 302730. Guided tours Monday to Friday (prior booking required). Open all year.

laphroaig Distillery
Laphroaig Distillery (near Port Ellen) – telephone 01496 302418. Open all year. Guided tours by appointment only. Visitor Centre open Monday to Friday. Friends of Laphroaig can visit their plot opposite the distillery.

More on Islay Whisky and Islay Distilleries

Highland Distilleries

Clynelish Distillery
Located on the A9 in Brora in Sutherland in the far north. Tours are available in the summer period and by appointment in the winter period.
Tel: +44 (0) 1408 623000

Dalmore Distillery
Tours are from Mid Aug-Mid December Mon-Fri and Mid January-End June Mon-Fri. Dalmore Distillery is owned by Whyte and Mackay Ltd and can be found in Alness, Ross-shire. Tel +44 (0)1349 882362

Glenmorangie Distillery
According to the Glenmorangie Company, the earliest record of the production of alcohol at Morangie Farm is dated 1703. The Glenmorangie Company are also the owners of Ardbeg and Glen Moray. Based in Broxburn, West Lothian. Tel: +44 (0) 1506 852929

Oban Distillery
Oban Distillery nestling beneath the steep cliff that overlooks Oban, one of Scotland’s oldest sources of single malt scotch whisky. Tours available. Check the website for details. Tel: +44 (0) 1631 572004

Lowlands and Campbeltown Distilleries

Glenkinchie Distillery
Glenkinchie is located in East Lothian. Tours are available all year round. Check the Glenkinchie website for exact info or call them.
Tel: +44 (0) 1875 342004

Springbank Distillery
One of the two remaining dsitilleries in Campbeltown. There were 34 distilleries in the early days! Distillery tours are available by appointment from Monday to Thursday during the summer. (April – September) Please book places in advance by e-mailing [email protected] or telephoning +44 (0) 1586 552085.

Islands (excl islay)

Highland Park Distillery
Highland Park is the northernmost Scotch Whisky distillery in the world. Tours are available all year round. Check on their website for exact opening times. You can contact them by Tel:+44(0) 1856 874619 or email: [email protected]

Jura Distillery
A perfect distillery on an even more perfect Island. Very worth while! Distillery Opening Hours are Monday – Friday from 10am – 4pm. Please note it is strongly recommended that you call the distillery on 01496-820240 in advance to book your tour to avoid disappointment.

Talisker Distillery
Talisker Distillery is located on the shores of Loch Harport in the village of Carbost. Talisker is the only distillery on the isle of Skye. Tours are available all year round but on appointment in the wintermonths. Admission is £5.00. Tel: +44 (0) 1478 614308