With an island population of just 161 residents and a landscape shaped by volcanic activity and ancient geology, the Isle of Raasay Distillery has become one of Scotland’s most talked about whisky destinations.
Famed not only for its award-winning liquid, Raasay is the only distillery in Scotland where you can stay overnight in the same building as a working distillery and now it will be possible for Isle of Raasay to welcome more guests to the island with the introduction of Na Bothain (The Bothies), five new luxury cabins, inspired by the traditional Scottish bothy.
In Gaelic, “bothan”/”bothain” (plural) refers to a homely shelter typically found across the Scottish countryside where weary travellers could find respite from the elements.
At Isle of Raasay, the new offering of Na Bothain will honour this spirit by combining rustic charm with modern luxury, all whilst providing guests with stunning views of the Isle of Skye and surrounding Highlands.
Tucked into the distillery’s breathtaking views and surroundings, every Bothan is different, offering sleek yet cosy interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unparalleled views of the island’s wild beauty.
Guests can also expect handcrafted Hebridean textiles, island-inspired artwork, and a few hidden details.
Bookings for Na Bothain are open Thursdays through to Mondays from October 9 2025, and throughout November until the distillery closes for a short break over winter.
Early reservations for 2026 are also now open and strongly encouraged due to the distillery’s growing popularity, having recently been awarded the top 10% places to visit worldwide by TripAdvisor.
A one-night stay in one of these beautiful Bothain starts from £360 for a standard B&B package. Alternatively, guests can book the Island Escape package from £380, which includes additional benefits such as accommodation for two in a private Bothan; breakfast made with local produce; a welcome drink of The Draam, Raasay gin or a signature cocktail; distillery, whisky and chocolate tour; island tour and dunnage warehouse tour with tasting; three-course meal and complimentary glass of sparkling wine for two; late check out at 12pm and access to private cask programme.
The team at Raasay recommends booking for two nights to fully capture the island magic and receive competitive rates. Full booking options of Na Bothain can be viewed at the Raasay website.
Coinciding with the launch of Na Bothain is the introduction of ‘The Draamers’ Experience’, an immersive whisky adventure designed for those who want to go deeper into the world of Isle of Raasay whisky. Think whisky school with a typical Raasay playful twist, further exploring Raasay’s signature single malt – The Draam.
The new two night distillery experience will take place Monday – Wednesday and Wednesday – Friday throughout November and select dates in December. Whisky enthusiasts and hardcore Raasay fans can now join a waiting list for further information via the distillery’s website.
“We are thrilled to be opening Na Bothain this October and welcome more guests to our island,” says William Dobbie, managing director.
“They offer a whole new way to experience Raasay, not just as a whisky, but as a place. Along with the 6 bedrooms currently available in our distillery building, we will be able to host up to 28 guests so we are delighted to introduce The Draamers’ Experience which will immerse Raasay enthusiasts into the heart of our distillery operations. We look forward to welcoming this new exciting chapter in our journey.”
Details of all accommodation options at Isle of Raasay Distillery, Na Bothain and Borodale House, can be found on the distillery’s website. Distillery accommodation takeovers and large group bookings are also available on request.
The vision for Raasay distillery began in 2013 when co-founders Bill Dobbie and Alasdair Day met and founded R&B Distillers with a shared vision of building Scotland’s leading new wave spirits and drinks business.
In 2015 they had identified the Isle of Raasay as providing the ingredients for the perfect spirit, and planning permission was granted to transform the island’s historic 19th century Borodale House into a state-of-the-art distillery, visitor centre, and luxury accommodation.
Their goal was to create exceptional whisky that develops elegance, complexity, and depth early on in the maturation process, and a handcrafted Hebridean gin that encapsulates Raasay’s style, character and impressive geological variety.
Since its establishment, the Isle of Raasay Distillery has brought job opportunities, supported local businesses, and become embedded in the island’s tight-knit community.
Part of the distillery’s ethos is to produce, mature, bottle, and market every drop of spirit directly from the island, maximising the influence of the island on the spirit, and the distillery on the island.
The distillery now employs more than 25 people, with an average age of 30, an early indicator of creating inter-generational values and making sure this special island of 161 people continues to thrive.
