Stirling Distillery
Hidden on Castle Rock beneath Stirling Castle, Stirling Distillery has brought a historic landmark back to life. Housed within the Old Smiddy, a building dating back to 1888, the distillery opened its doors in 2019 as Stirling’s first legal distillery, creating a new chapter in the city’s food and drink story.
Created by founders June and Cameron McCann, what began as a passion project producing gin in 2014 has grown into a thriving spirits business. From the original Stirling Gin to more recent launches, including rum and liqueur, the distillery continues to evolve while remaining deeply connected to the stories and heritage of Stirling itself.
Supporting businesses like Stirling Distillery is a key focus for Forth Valley Food & Drink, one of Scotland's Regional Food Groups dedicated to building a stronger food and drink sector across the country. Coordinator Stacey Spence says that collaboration sits at the centre of the organisation’s work. Through events, festivals, networking opportunities, business support and guidance on accessing funding, Forth Valley Food & Drink helps local producers connect with new customers, develop skills, and continue their growth.
That spirit of collaboration is one of the greatest strengths of the area. By being part of Forth Valley Food & Drink, Stirling Distillery can champion fellow local businesses while also benefiting from the wider support and connections provided by Scotland Food & Drink.
Innovation is also shaping the distillery’s future. In 2024, Stirling Distillery began producing whisky and, in 2027, will pour the first whisky produced in Stirling since 1851. While the team proudly holds the title of Scotland’s smallest whisky distillery, their ambitions remain focused on the future, with dreams of one day bottling an 18 or 21 Year Old Scotch Whisky. The future looks incredibly bright for this pioneering Stirling producer.
We are very much a family business here. My husband and I are both founders and owners of the building. Our daughter Elle is the distillery manager and our son Hugo is our distiller. Our passion comes from talking about Stirling.