Get another taste of Scotland with a gin tour

Scotland is famous for its whisky but now there’s another reason for thirsty tourists to head there.

A new Scottish gin trail and map has launched to guide you around 12 of the country’s best distilleries and bars.

ON THE TRAIL

Gordon Castle, Fochabers, Moray

Arbikie Hihland Estate Distillery, Inverkeilor, Arbroath

Shetland Reel Gin, Unst

Caorunn Gin at Balmenach Distillery, Cromdale, Moray

Crossbill’s Gin, Inshriach, Aviemore

Eden Mill, Guardbridge, St Andrews

Edinburgh Gin and Distillery and Heads and Tails Bar

Glasgow Distillery, Thurso, Caithness

Dunnet Bay Distillery

Gin 71, Glasgow

Firkin Gin and The Jolly Botanist, Edinburgh

Strathearn Distillery, Methven, Perth

Scotland has a long and rich history of craft gin distilling, which is enjoying a renaissance around Britain, with around 70 per cent of the gin produced in the UK coming from Scotland.

Taking in Shetland Reel Gin on the UK’s most northerly inhabited island of Unst in Shetland, the trail winds its way through craft distilleries in the stunning Scottish Highlands, to coastal distilleries and cocktail bars of Glasgow and Edinburgh. The map, published by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, is a great opportunity for connoisseurs to get a true taste for the country as well as the tipple.

Visitors who step onto the trail will learn more about the art of gin-making and sample some of the highest quality products on the market – every one with its own distinctive taste. They will be able to sample gin made from 100% Scottish juniper in a former henhouse awarded 2015 Shed of the Year as well as gin in St Andrews flavoured with retired golf clubs as the trail captures  the cutting-edge flavours and technologies inspired by world-class distillers and mixologists, as well both historical and traditional context.

Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA, said: “We are thrilled to be announcing the launch of the WSTA Scotland Gin Trail which follows on the back of the success of the London Gin Trail.

 “British gin has a strong, vibrant history. By publishing the gin trail map we hope to mark its renaissance and ensure its future as a quintessentially British, internationally recognised spirit.”