Stannergill Distillery Announces Completion of Historic Castletown Mill Restoration and Phased Opening

Martin and Claire Murray, founders of the award-winning Dunnet Bay Distillers, are delighted to announce that they have received the Acceptance of Completion Certificate for the meticulous restoration of the historic 19th century Castletown Mill. This significant milestone paves the way for the much-anticipated opening of Stannergill Distillery, a new world-class whisky distillery and visitor experience on the north coast of Scotland. 

After years of careful planning and restoration work, the iconic Grade B listed building, which had stood derelict for over three decades, has been given a new lease of life. The project, a multi-million-pound investment, has transformed the cherished local landmark into a state-of-the-art distillery that will be the exclusive home of Stannergill Whisky, a new Caithness single malt.

"We are incredibly excited to have reached this pivotal moment," said Martin Murray, cofounder of Stannergill Distillery. "The restoration of Castletown Mill has been a true labour of love for us and our dedicated team. We are passionate about preserving the heritage of this remarkable building and creating a distillery that the whole of Caithness can be proud of. Receiving the completion certificate is a testament to the hard work and craftsmanship that has gone into this project." Norbloc Construction have done an amazing job of turning the wonderful design of Organic Architects into reality.

The opening of Stannergill Distillery will be phased. The distillery's shop and restaurant are set to open their doors to the public in November 2025, offering a unique selection of local products and a taste of the region's finest cuisine. This will be followed by the launch of the distillery's bar, tours, and tastings by Easter 2026, providing visitors with an immersive experience into the art of whisky making.

Claire Murray, co-founder, added, "Stannergill Distillery is more than just a whisky distillery; it's a destination. We want to create a welcoming space for both the local community and visitors to enjoy. With the opening of our shop and restaurant, followed by the full visitor experience, we look forward to sharing our passion for whisky and the rich history of Castletown Mill with people from all over the world."

The new distillery is expected to create a significant number of jobs in the local area, further boosting the Caithness economy. The Murrays, who are also the creators of the internationally acclaimed Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka, are committed to building a sustainable business that supports the local community and champions the spirit of the North Highlands.