Ahead of World Whisky Day on 17 May 2025, a renewed spotlight has been cast on Scotland’s Whisky Coast, with tourism leaders and industry experts outlining bold plans for its revival. The region of Argyll and the Isles—home to four of Scotland’s whisky regions: Campbeltown, Islay, Highlands (Oban and Loch Lomond), and Islands (Jura and Tobermory)—is at the centre of ambitious developments, with proposals for over 13 new distilleries and several new whisky visitor experiences.

The vision comes at a time of renewed appreciation for the area’s heritage. In the 19th century, Campbeltown was regarded as the Whisky Capital of the World, with Argyll hosting over 30 distilleries at its peak. If the latest proposals materialise, the region could match or even exceed this historic high.

Cathy Craig, CEO of the Argyll and Isles Tourism Cooperative, said:
“Whisky, or uisge beatha, has shaped communities and culture throughout Argyll and the Isles for centuries. With so many planned new developments and existing businesses evolving their offerings, we’re looking at a truly world-class whisky destination.”

Currently home to 20 distilleries, Argyll and the Isles could soon see that number climb significantly. These new ventures would contribute to local economies, create jobs, and further diversify the visitor experience.

Charlie Maclean, Master of the Quaich, reflected on the scale of the plans:
“Whisky production in Argyll peaked in the nineteenth century with thirty-four distilleries. With all the new developments, the area could soon be approaching an all-time high again.”

New whisky-themed experiences are already underway:

• Ardbeg House (Islay, opening September 2025): A new hotel offering luxury accommodation and whisky-led experiences.
• Whisky and Waves (launching 2026): A sailing tour operator offering whisky tastings aboard a 40ft yacht cruising from Oban and Tobermory.
• Island Nights, Whisky Flights (Islay, from 2025): A two-night escape at Another Place, The Machrie, in partnership with Bruichladdich, including distillery visits and guided tastings.
• The Wee Still at Oban Distillery (new bar for 2025): An intimate whisky bar to complement distillery tours in one of Scotland’s smallest and oldest urban distilleries.

Published proposals highlight potential new distilleries in Campbeltown (3), Islay (6), Luss, Inveraray Castle, and Ardrishaig.

These developments align with a robust year-round programme of whisky festivals and events in the region:

Annual Whisky Events in Argyll and the Isles:

• May – Whisky Month
  • Campbeltown Malts Festival (19–24 May 2025)
  • Fèis Ìle – The Islay Festival (23–31 May 2025)
  • Jura Fèis Ìle Day (30 May 2025)
• September
  • Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival (19–22 September 2025)
• November
  • Oban Whisky Festival (14 November–21 December 2025)
• December
  • Festive whisky weekends at local distilleries (dates TBC)

The Argyll and Isles Tourism Cooperative recommends a “distillery hopping” route that spans key sites across the region:

• Start at Oban Distillery, before ferrying to Tobermory Distillery on Mull
• Continue to Islay, home to nine working distilleries including Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Caol Ila, Bruichladdich, and Laphroaig
• Conclude in Campbeltown, home to Springbank, Kilkerran, and Glen Scotia

Blair Bowman, founder of World Whisky Day, commented:
“When you pick up a glass from Argyll and the Isles, you’re not just picking up a drink—you’re picking up a story of Scottish life, culture and craftmanship.”

For more information on planning a whisky-themed experience across Scotland’s Whisky Coast, visit: wildaboutargyll.co.uk/eat-and-drink

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Campbeltown Bond will issue ‘delivery orders’ to all clients wishing to store their assets on-site, ensuring full ownership and flexibility. But it’s also a destination: enjoy private tasting rooms, a whisky bar and restaurant, a curated retail shop, a premium cigar humidor and an on-site bottling plant, all designed to bring the spirit of Scotch whisky to life.