Isle of Harris distillery

Plans for the distillery began in 2011 with submission to the local council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. With the support of a £2.8 million combined grant from the Scottish Government and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise fund, designed by John R. Coleman Architects, building commenced in spring 2014. The distillery opened in October 2015 and commenced production on 17 December 2015. By 2017, the distillery had welcomed over 144,000 visitors, including Charles, Prince of Wales, as well as receiving 17 awards for their products. In 2020, the distillery began sponsoring a virtual Cèilidh. In January 2021, the distillery submitted plans to the Council for expansion, including a new maturation warehouse. In July 2021, the distillery launched an eco-friendly initiative to refill bottles. In autumn 2023, the distillery released its first single malt whisky. ==Facilities==

The distillery stills were made in Siena, Italy by Frilli Impianti. There is a visitor centre. ==Products==

As well as a single malt whisky called The Hearach, the Gaelic word for a resident of Harris, the distillery makes a gin using botanicals including local sugar kelp seaweed. As of 2017, over two tonnes of seaweed had been collected for the gin production. The gin is sold in a distinctive blue bottle The gin bottles are manufactured in Yorkshire by the Stolzle Glass Group. ==References==