The 8 best gin events to enjoy in Scotland this summer

Gin fans have a lot to look forward to this summer in Scotland...

Published 18th Jul 2019
Updated 21 st Sep 2023

There's nothing like a cold G&T on a summer's day...no matter what the weather. If you want to try new gins, or enjoy old favourites then these are the best gin events to visit in Scotland this summer.

From tastings to festivals, there's something for all juniper fans.

No.1's Gin Tasting with Darnley's

25 July, 7-9pm, InterContinental Edinburgh George Street, 19-21 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PB

Tickets: £15

gin events Scotland

Picture: No1 magazine

Gin lovers are invited to join the No.1 magazine team, Darnley's and Franklin & Sons for an evening of tastings.

Located in the library at the Intercontinental George Street (formerly the Principal George Street), guests can look forward to a drinks recpection followed by a tasting of three Darnley's gins, each paired with a mixer from Franklin & Sons.

As well as enjoying the delicious tipples, there will be a chance to win some prizes on the night and all guests will get a No.1 goody bag.

The Gin Fayre Perth

20 July, 12-8pm, Salutation Hotel 30-34 South St, Perth PH2 8PH

Tickets: £17

gin events Scotland

Picture: Gin Fayre Facebook

Enjoy a range of gins from Scotland as beyond as the Gin Fayre returns.

Split into two sessions - 12.3.30 and 4.30-8pm - the fayre promises to be jam packed with distilleries offering samples to try and a chance to buy as well as masterclasses to enjoy.

Tickets include a welcome cocktail, gin guide and gin samples.

Milngavie Gin Festival

27 July, 12.11.30pm, Finsbay 44 Main Street Milngavie G626BU

Tickets: £5.83

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Picture: Milngavie Gin Festival

After the success of the last Gin festivals, the team are back for the third instalment at Finsbay in Milngavie.

The festival will play host to a number of gins from around the world as well as focusing on Scottish gins. Festival-goers can look forward to samples, cocktails and expert talks.

The event will run until 6pm before an after party at the new Finsbay loft space. Tickets include one free gin and mixer.

Spirit of Alba Festival

31 August, 12-7pm, Kirkintilloch Town Hall, Kirkintilloch G66 1HN

Tickets: £27.24

gin events Scotland

Picture: Spirit of Alba Facebook

After the success of the 2018 festival, the Spirit of Alba Festival - whisky and gin event - is back.

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Split into two sessions - 12-3pm and 4-7pm - attendees can look forward to trying a range of whiskies and gins, with the ticket including a branded glass and festival guide.

The Scottish Gantry Gin Tasting

8 August, 7.30-9.45pm, 8-10 King Street Stirling FK8 1BD

Tickets: £19

gins events Scotland

Picture: Scottish Gantry Facebook

Festival goers to this gin tasting in Stirling will find out about the booming gin industry in Scotland.

As well as expert knowledge, there will be six gins to taste alongside the full range of Fever Tree tonics and garnishes to try.

Bardowie Gin Tasting

31 August, 1-4pm, Geraldos 26-28 Main Street, Largs, KA30 8AB

Tickets: Free

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Picture: Bardowie gin

Named after a loch just north of Glasgow, Bardowie Gin has been created by husband and wife team Mark and Alison Hazell.

Anyone attending this free tasting, hosted by the brand ambassador, can find out more about the gin and experience its citrus, London Dry style. And, if it's a favourite, buy a bottle or two.

Edinburgh Gin Afternoon Tea

2-24 August, from 3pm, The Scottish Restaurant & Cafe, The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL

Tickets: £25

Picture: Contini

If you're a fan of gin and cake then head along to this Edinburgh Gin afternoon tea, hosted in The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant.

Refuel or escape the festival madness and relax over savoury bites, freshly baked scones served with homemade jam and petit fours created with Edinburgh Gin liqueurs.

As well as this, diners can enjoy an Edinburgh Gin G&T (and cups of tea) while soaking up the views of Princes Street Gardens.

International Scottish Gin Day

3 August, various locations worldwide

gin events Scotland

Picture: The Gin Cooperative

International Scottish Gin Day 2019 (ISGD) has been set up by the Gin Cooperative to help a global audience discover the world of Scottish Gin and aims to create a special day established to raise the profile of Scottish Gin and showcase Scotland as a visitors destination.

ISGD 2019 will be held on Saturday the 3 August and will provide an opportunity for Scottish producers, bars, restaurants, bottle shops and drinkers to discover, celebrate and promote Scottish Gin on the day.

For those looking to celebrate ISGD in Edinburgh, head to Mansfield Traquair where the organisers of the Gin Fayre fairs will be hosting a special gin event.

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Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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