Family owned spirits firm Ian Macleod Distillers has officially opened a new distillery on Islay, marking a significant expansion for the island and bringing the total number of whisky distilleries there to 11.
Laggan Bay Distillery began production on last week on Thursday (2 April), with MD Leonard Russell joining his son Tom Russell, head of international business development, and distillery manager Malcolm Rennie to fill the first cask. The moment signals the start of what the company describes as a long-term investment in both Scotch whisky production and the local community.
The new site overlooks the coastline from which it takes its name, with the Atlantic-facing Laggan Bay shaping both the identity and intended character of the whisky. The distillery’s branding also draws on the area’s natural environment. Bottlenose dolphins, which are often spotted in surrounding waters, are featured on the logo.
Rennie, an Islay native with decades of experience in Scotch production, will lead the distillery. He has assembled a local team tasked with developing a house style that aims to stand apart within an already crowded category.
Leonard Russell said: “Filling the first cask at Laggan Bay is an important moment for us as a family business. We have built this distillery with a long-term vision, knowing the whisky will grow into its own character. We are not here to replicate what Islay already has – we’re here to add to it, with a whisky shaped by its place, our people and the choices we make from the start.”
Rennie added: “Coming home to Islay to help shape Laggan Bay single malt is something I’m proud of. It’s a rare chance to create a new whisky with a strong sense of place, rooted in the character and traditions that define Islay.”
Sustainability has been positioned as a central pillar of the distillery’s development. The site incorporates wetlands designed to manage liquid waste while supporting local wildlife; the company also said it will explore renewable energy solutions in partnership with other organisations on the island.
Beyond production, Ian Macleod Distillers is also emphasising Laggan Bay’s role within the local economy. The distillery will make its public debut as part of Fèis Ìle, opening its doors on 31 May for a visitor event. The appearance at the annual whisky festival offers an early opportunity for both trade and consumers to engage with the site and its team as the spirit itself begins its maturation journey.
Laggan Bay adds further weight to Ian Macleod Distillers’ growing Scotch portfolio, which already includes brands such as Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Smokehead. The company produces more than 15 million bottles of spirits annually and continues to expand its footprint across both domestic and export markets.
