Annandale Distillery in Scotland has become the first distillery to use wasted wind power to heat its stills.   As part of Annandale’s 12-step decarbonisation process, the producer commissioned a technology that converts renewable electricity into heat for the distilling process, replacing its use of gas completely.   Other parts of the 12-step process include maturing whisky on site to reduce road miles, switching to electric vehicles…

Multinational drinks company Suntory has announced that it will be merging the operational teams at Bowmore and Laphroaig on Islay, one of the Inner Hebrides islands.  Coming the week after warnings from The Scotch Whisky Association about a dip in global exports of Scotch, the decision comes in the context of a category downturn.  It also happens in tandem with…

The multi-million-pound Luss Distillery was launched in Loch Lomond yesterday (2 February).  Officially opened by the first minister of Scotland, John Swinney, the distillery and visitor experience has been described as an investment in whisky tourism.  Created by Loch Lomond Group, the distillery is made up of four distinctive buildings, including a working distillery, immersive whisky and gin discovery areas,…

Scottish business rates relief for retail and hospitality is being reduced, as per the Scottish Budget, which was published yesterday (13 January).  Dropping from 40% to 15% for the 2026-27 financial year, the decision has been met with criticism from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), which said the government needs to offer more support.  “Commercial rates, particularly with the new rates revaluations for…

Following the 2025 budget, the Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) has begun to look forward to 2026–27.  In collaboration with the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), the SBPA has submitted a joint draft budget submission to the Scottish Government.  In the submission, the organisations encourage the government to maintain the current 40% relief rates for licensed hospitality businesses and remove the…

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA), which is part of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), has appointed Anne Toms as its new president.  Toms, who currently serves as vice president of the SBPA, is also government affairs lead at Budweiser Brewing Group. She succeeds Andrew Lawrence of Molson Coors Beverage Company, who has held the role…

The 0.0% spirit brand Feragaia has been acquired by Scottish luxury goods group Chanrossa, as it aims to build Scotland’s leading ‘new wave’ spirits portfolio.  Chanrossa, which already has a portfolio including Isle of Raasay Distillery and Machrihanish Distillery, focuses on brands with Scottish provenance.  It said that the addition of Feragaia to its portfolio marks its plans to elevate…