Two lifelong friends and whisky fanatics have brought innovation to Scotland’s thriving food and drink scene with the UK’s first vertical distillery
According to the Scotch Whisky Association, there are 152 whisky distilleries in Scotland, the spirit contributed £7.1bn to the UK economy in 2022 and exports in 2024 were worth £5.4bn, based on the latest available figures. More than 41,000 people are employed in the Scotch whisky industry in Scotland and an estimated 22m casks lie maturing in Scottish warehouses.
The new Port of Leith Distillery is set to add to this remarkable collection. Clad in black corrugated steel and standing tall on the Leith harbourside, Edinburgh’s historic port area, the distillery overlooks the quayside, where whisky was traditionally matured and bottled.
“The fact it’s a modern looking building reflects our outlook for the business,” says co-founder Ian Stirling. “Of course, we’ve embraced the rich history and traditions of whisky, but we’ve added innovation, too.”
Stirling, and his business partner Paddy Fletcher, grew up in Edinburgh before moving to London to start their careers. Stirling worked in the drinks industry, while Fletcher was an accountant, specialising in tech startups.
