Annandale Distillery, an independent whisky distillery in the south of Scotland, is opening its doors to whisky fans for the first time.
The stay offers guests the chance to go behind the scenes and become a distiller for the day, and is available only on Airbnb as part of a new campaign to encourage people to visit the Scottish Lowlands.
The two night stay, which is being made available to members of the public for a limited time this summer, offers guests the chance to sleep in cottages next to the distillery site, get ‘hands on’ experience and learn the fundamentals of whisky distilling.
Guests will get to participate in each stage of the process from meeting the malt delivery, to milling and mashing the barley, fermentation, firing up the stills and filling the casks.
They’ll also be taken for a whisky tasting and evening meal at The Globe Inn, Dumfries.
The Globe Inn is an historic pub dating back to 1610 and was frequented by Robert Burns. Currently there are two chefs with Michelin Star experience at the helm.
Each guest will check out from their stay with a bottle of Annandale’s Single Malt Scotch Whisky and with a newfound knowledge about the work and dedication that goes into making it.
While the focus is often on the Highlands when it comes to Scottish whisky, this stay highlights that southern Scotland should not be overlooked in the pursuit of a good dram.
Visitors will also find out about the history of Annandale Distillery, which was first established in 1836 and ‘reborn’ in 2014.
It has been restored by new owners David Thomson and Teresa Church and now produces Single Malt whisky and blends.
David and Teresa anticipate the listing to be a real draw to the area for whisky fans, and said: "One of the principal reasons why we decided to restore Annandale Distillery was our burning desire to re-introduce Scotch Whisky production to Southern Scotland.
"Based on the conviction that this region of Scotland has everything required, but most especially the climate and the abundance of water, to produce first class Single Malts.
"This stay on Airbnb gives us the chance to involve guests behind the scenes and show them that the Scotch Whisky produced at Annandale is more than a product, it’s a labour of love.
"Enticing visitors to our part of Scotland is not only good for us but also for other local businesses.”
This stay is part of a wider campaign from Airbnb to champion tourism in the Scottish lowlands and support local businesses in the area, spotlighting some of what the region has to offer.
The campaign comes amidst demand for staycations in the British Isles as restrictions are lifted, and aims to encourage holidaymakers to consider the wealth of stays and experiences available in Scotland beyond the more widely-publicised Highlands and major cities.
VisitScotland regional leadership director Paula Ward said: “Scotland is full of unforgettable experiences and it is fantastic to see Annandale Distillery feature as part of this new Airbnb campaign to encourage people to visit the Scottish lowlands.
"We know that many visitors are looking for something special, an authentic experience that they won’t get elsewhere and this experience at Annandale Distillery offers to do just that.
“Businesses right across the Scottish lowlands look set to benefit from the increased awareness of the region as part of this campaign.
"Encouraging visitors to stay longer, visit all year round and explore more of what our country has to offer will be crucial as we focus on the recovery of the industry from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Tourism is a force for good – creating economic and social value in every corner of Scotland and enhancing the wellbeing of everyone who experiences it.”
Amanda Cupples, general manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb added: “Many tourists pass through the Lowlands on their way to the Highlands and other areas of Scotland, without realising all the incredible experiences they’re missing out on.
"The stay at Annandale Distillery is truly a unique experience for whisky lovers, and an opportunity to visit somewhere they might not have considered before.”
The listing can be viewed here, with bookings going live from 10am on 17 May.
Annandale Distillery is located in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway. The stay will be available to book for £480 for two people on the following dates:
Guests should note that booking rules are in strict adherence with local Covid-19 guidelines and those who request to book must be 18+ and currently live in the UK.
