Why Campbeltown Scotland is Worth a Visit for Whisky Lovers

Campbeltown, a small harbour town on the Kintyre Peninsula in Scotland, is a hidden gem for whisky lovers. Though it may not be as widely known as other whisky regions in Scotland, its rich history and unique characteristics make it a must-visit destination for whisky fans. In its heyday, Campbeltown was home to 32 distilleries and considered the whisky capital of the world.

Only three active distilleries remain today: Glengyle, Glen Scotia, and Springbank. Nevertheless, these distilleries continue to produce some of the best whiskies in Scotland, with distinct flavour profiles coveted by whisky fans worldwide. The charm of Campbeltown lies in its quaint and historical atmosphere, where the remnants of old distillery buildings are scattered throughout the town, serving as a testament to its storied past in the world of whisky.

A visit to Campbeltown provides a combination of history, scenery, and exceptional single malts.

Must-Visit Campbeltown Distilleries

Once proclaimed as 'the whisky capital of the world', Campbeltown is home to three active distilleries that are a must-see for any whisky lover, especially as some of their whiskies have cult-status (Springbank, Hazelburn, Longrow) and are often very hard to procure outside of Scotland. 

Springbank Distillery

Founded in 1828, Springbank Distillery is "the only distillery established in the 19th century that is still owned by members of the founding family today" [ref]. Springbank continue to use traditional methods for whisky production - even floor malting their own barley - and they've even got a gorgeous open-topped mash tun. Springbank offers three distinct expressions: Springbank, Longrow, and Hazelburn, each with its unique character. A visit to Springbank distillery offers a chance to see traditional whisky-making techniques at work and taste some of Scotland's finest drams.

For more information see our full profile on Springank Distillery.

Glengyle (Kilkerran) Distillery

Glengyle Distillery, which produces Kilkerran whisky, was re-established in 2004 after more than eighty years of inactivity. The distillery is a testament to the dedication of the Mitchell family (founders of Springbank) to the Campbeltown community, as they spearheaded its revival. Kilkerran whiskies are known for their complexity and delicate balance of flavours. 

Kilkerran Tour

An expertly guided tour of Glengyle Distillery's production facilities, and narration of her history (Glengyle was founded in 1872 by William Mitchell, but closed in 1925), followed by one (1) dram of a Kilkerran core-range whisky. Tours are available Monday to Friday at 11:15 am and 2:30 pm, and the cost is £12.00 per person. Children under the age of 18 years are welcome (free) on the tour but must be accompanied by a responsible paying adult. Advanced online bookings are recommended, though bookings can also be made by emailing tours@springbank.scot or telephoning +44 (0)1586 552009.

A virtual tour of Glengyle Distillery is also available if you would like to get a glimpse of the distillery process before you go.

For additional distillery tour options, see our Springbank Distillery profile.

Glen Scotia Distillery

Glen Scotia Distillery was built in 1832 by Stewart, Galbraith & Co, and they originally named her Scotia. The founders still owned Scotia when Alfred Barnard visited around 1885. Barnard notes that the distillery "covers a little over two acres of ground, and has been several times enlarged to meet the requirements of an increasing business... The water used in the Distillery comes from the Crosshill Loch, but in addition there are two wells bored down to the rock 80 ft deep, which yield a never failing supply of clear water". At that time, Scotia's output was 85,000 gallons.

Scotia was fully rebuilt in 1897, after being purchased by Duncan MaCallum in 1891. MaCallum then sold it to West Highland Distillers in 1919.. [ref]

That same year Scotia became one of the founding members of West Highland Malt Distilleries, a group formed to share costs and stave off potential closures for six Campbeltown distilleries. This alliance eventually collapsed, and Scotia was sold to the Bloch Brothers (who already had Scapa Distillery) in 1924, but they they closed the distillery operations down from 1928 to 1933.

‘Glen’ was added to the name in 1939, and in 1954 Glen Scotia was purchased by Hiram Walker (Canadian Club - now owned by Beam-Suntory) though they on-sold it almost immediately. Glen Scotia's production was minimal from the 1920s, with sporadic operation and often long periods of silence. Loch Lomond Distillery acquired Glen Scotia in 1996 and it continued to limp along until the Loch Lomond Group was formed by Exponent Private Equity in 2014. Glen Scotia have subsequently won quite a few awards for their Single Malt Whiskies, including Best Whisky in the World for the Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old and Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year 2021.

Glen Scotia remains one of the smallest single malt Scotch whisky producers in Scotland, but is a significant player in Campbeltown's growing whisky industry. 

For an at-home whisky distillery experience, check out the Sound of Glen Scotia - a collaboration between Whisky and Music.

Glen Scotia Distillery Tour

An expertly guided tour of Glen Scotia Distillery followed by a tasting of the Glen Scotia Double Cask single malt whisky. Approximately 60 minutes duration and £10.00 per person, the Glen Scotia Distillery Tour runs Monday to Friday at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. For bookings, email shop@glenscotia.com or call 01586 552288. Drivers Drams are available to any drivers partaking in a full price tour and tasting - let the distillery know at the start of your tour that you require a 'take away' dram. Children under the age of 18 years are permitted on tours (no tastings) and their ticket is free except during the Malts Festival.

Glen Scotia Dunnage Warehouse Experience

An expertly guided tour of Glen Scotia Distillery followed by five drams of Glen Scotia cask strength whiskies in one of the dunnage warehouses. Approximately 120 minutes duration and £55.00 per person, the Glen Scotia Distillery Tour runs Tuesday to Friday at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. For bookings, email shop@glenscotia.com or call 01586 552288. Tasting experiences are only for persons aged over 18 years.

Glen Scotia Distillery Manager Tour

Join Distillery Manager Iain McAlister on an in-depth and immersive distiller's experience and private tour of Glen Scotia Distillery. Afterwards head to one of the dunnage warehouses for five drams of Glen Scotia whiskies straight from the cask. Approximately 2.5 hours duration and £100.00 per person, this is a private tour by appointment only. Book by emailing shop@glenscotia.com or calling 01586 552288.

Campbeltown Region Distillery Map

Transport and Accessibility

Getting to Campbeltown - Driving

Driving is an excellent choice for those looking to take a scenic route and visit other attractions on the way to, or near Campbeltown. Campbeltown is approximately 138 miles from Glasgow on the A83, with the journey taking between three and four hours, depending on traffic conditions. The scenery of the West Highlands is some of the most amazing I've ever seen, and driving to Campbeltown is the best way to experience it. 

Inveraray 

Stop off in Inveraray (64 miles / 90 minutes from Glasgow) for a coffee, bathroom break, or an ice cream, and perhaps visit Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke & Duchess of Argyll (Clan Campbell).

Auchindrain

Just outside of Inveraray, visit the 'museum town' of Auchindrain (open April to October), the oldest surviving remnants of a traditional Scottish village. Auchindrain comprises more than 20 well-preserved buildings and structures typical of Scottish farming towns from the last few hundred years - the first records of Auchindrain are from 1553, and the final resident departed in 1967. The village has long been considered a relic – Queen Victoria visited in 1875 to witness what was even then considered a primitive village.

Tarbert

The fishing village of Tarbert is a great spot to stop for some fish and chips, or fill up with fuel. Approximately 100 miles (2 1/4 hours) from Glasgow and 37 miles / 50 minutes from Campbeltown.

Flying to Campbeltown

If driving isn't desirable, you can also reach the town by air. Campbeltown has a small airport, with flights from Glasgow that take around 45 minutes. Flying can be a convenient and quick way to reach the area, especially for those with limited time.

Ferry to Campbeltown

For a unique experience, catch a CalMac ferry from Ardrossan to Campbeltown (an alternate route if you have a car). The ferry service operates seasonally and offers a leisurely and enjoyable trip to Campbeltown, allowing visitors to take in the coastal scenery as they approach the peninsula. Please note, however, that the ferry services in Scotland can be a bit hit and miss, and there is a great deal of disruption to the timetable at present due to a shortage of ferries (2023).

Bus from Glasgow to Campbeltown

The 926 Campbeltown Bus from Glasgow to Campbeltown runs several times a day. It is also the same bus route if you're going to Islay (via the Kennacraig Ferry Terminal). While Islay has a lot of appeal with so many well known distilleries, as the Islay ferry service is often unreliable, Campbeltown is a much easier destination to get to on public transport.

Bus tickets can be purchased directly from Buchanan Bus Station, though I've always found it easiest to book online. Plus, if you book your return ticket at the same time, you can save up to 50% off the total (at time of writing a one-way ticket costs £25.90, whereas a return ticket, if booked at the same time, is £23.80) as long as your return date is no more than 28 days after your initial journey. The other reason to pre-book your bus tickets is that during the peak summer tourist period (or during significant events, such as during the Campbeltown Whisky Festival), it can book out, and you don't want to miss out on a seat.

The 926 Bus will stop at Inveraray for 10 minutes - Inveraray is roughly the halfway point and is your only chance to stretch your legs or quickly grab a hot beverage or ice cream. There is a public bathroom in Inveraray. 

CityLink branded coaches have a toilet on board the bus, but sometimes route 926 is operated by West Coast Motors and their buses don't always have bathrooms.

Sit up the front so you can see the fantastic view out the front window. It doesn't matter which side of the bus you sit on as you will have views of either Loch Lomond or Loch Fyne (they're on opposite sites).

Getting Around Campbeltown

Once in Campbeltown, getting around is relatively easy. Local bus services connect the town centre with attractions and other areas of interest, such as distilleries and historical sites (though the town is quite small and flat, so walking is easy enough). The local bus company, West Coast Motors, operates several services and provides detailed timetables to help plan your itinerary either around town or further afield if you want to do day trips to other parts of the Kintyre Peninsula.

For those interested in exploring the Kintyre Peninsula on foot, numerous walking and hiking trails through breathtaking landscapes allow you to experience Campbeltown's natural beauty. The Kintyre Way is a popular long-distance walking route that covers 100 miles of the peninsula, offering an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Download the Discover Campbeltown app for a detailed list and maps of walking trails in and around Campbeltown.

Taxis

Taxis are also available, but keep in mind that Campbeltown is a small area, and booking taxis in advance is a good idea to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.

• Roys Taxis  - Roys has a range of cars, a 16 seater minibus and a wheelchair access car available - for bookings call 01586 554625 or book online (online bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance)
• Tavies Taxies - for bookings call 01586 551122
  

Campbeltown Accommodation

Campbeltown offers a variety of hotel and guest house options, along with a plethora of bed and breakfasts and self catering cottages. 

The Royal Hotel

One notable option is The Royal Hotel, which has a rich history and connection to the local whisky industry. The hotel is located right on the harbour and its comfortable atmosphere and various amenities make it an excellent base for exploring Campbletown. The Royal Hotel is just around the corner from Cadenhead's Whisky Shop and a 5 minute walk to Springbank Distillery and Glengyle Distillery. Click to see rates for The Royal Hotel.

Dellwood Hotel

A nice budget option is the Dellwood Hotel, a 5 minute walk to Glen Scotia Distillery, and a 10 minute walk to Springbank and Glengyle Distilleries. Click to see rates for the Delwood Hotel.

Grammar Lodge Guest House

Another lovely bed and breakfast option is the Grammar Lodge Guest House located just 600 metres from Springbank Whisky Distillery. Grammar Lodge has seven (7) en-suite guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and free parking. Click to see rates for Grammar Lodge Guest House.

Things to Do in Campbeltown

Besides its whisky heritage, Campbeltown has a lot to offer visitors looking for other attractions to explore. From historic sites to outdoor activities, there is something for everyone.

Cadenhead's Whisky Shop

Cadenhead's are an independent bottler of renown, and they also happen to be owned by the same family as Springbank Distillery. Cadenhead's are a must-visit location for whisky fans, and we highly recommend a Cadenhead's warehouse tasting as it is held in a warehouse at Springbank Distillery (doesn't include a distillery tour).

Campbeltown Malts Festival

The Campbeltown Malts Festival is an annual celebration of the town's whisky heritage, typically in late May. It is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to experience the best of Campbeltown's whisky distilleries; Glen Scotia, Springbank and Glengyle. The festival features a variety of events, such as distillery open days, masterclasses, and tastings, attracting whisky lovers from all over the world.

During the festival, attendees can enjoy guided tours of the local distilleries and learn about the unique production methods used in this small whisky region. They can also participate in tutored tastings, where whisky experts will guide them through the diverse flavour profiles of Campbeltown's whiskies.

Moreover, the Campbeltown Malts Festival often includes whisky-themed dinners, live music, and ceilidhs, providing visitors with an immersive Scottish cultural experience. This celebration of Campbeltown's exceptional whiskies and vibrant local scene makes it a must-visit event for any whisky lover, though mind you book your accommodation well in advance (up to 12 months) as this is a very popular event.

• Springbank, Glenglye and Cadenhead Campbeltown Malts Festival Events
• Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival Events
  

Discover Campbeltown App

The best way of getting up to date information on the best things to see and do in Campbeltown is to download the Discover Campbeltown app, produced by Argyll and Bute council. The app is available for both Android and iPhone and includes Walking and Cycling Guides, the Campbeltown Heritage Trail, and a Whisky Trail (which includes all the 'Lost' Distilleries). There is even an augmented reality feature (you need to opt in when you download the app) that can be used when you're wandering about in Campbeltown.

Machrihanish Golf Club

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Machrihanish Golf Club, a short drive from Campbeltown. This picturesque course offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and a challenging layout, making it perfect for golfers of all skill levels. Designed by renowned architect Old Tom Morris, the course has a fine reputation among golfers worldwide.

Davaar Island

Davaar Island sits at the mouth of Campbeltown Loch and is an ideal destination for a peaceful day trip. Accessible by foot during low tide, the island boasts stunning views of Campbeltown and its surrounding areas. While exploring, visit the famous cave painting of the Crucifixion, painted by local artist Archibald MacKinnon in 1887. Make sure you wear decent footwear as the path up to the cave is quite rocky, and don't forget to check the tide times!

Other Nearby Distilleries

Islay and all her lovely distilleries (Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Bunnahabhain, Kilchoman, Bowmore) are not too far away via a short drive or bus trip to Kennacraig Ferry Terminal (see our guide on Getting a Ferry to Islay).

The History of Campbeltown Whisky

Origins and Early Settlement

Campbeltown was the original seat of the Scottish monarchy, founded by King Fergus I and anciently called Dalruadhain. [ref]

Further development came via an Act of Parliament in 1597 that decreed the establishment of three royal burghs and burgh towns in "the most convenient and commodious parts"; one in Kintyre (Lochead - which would later be renamed Campbeltown in honor of the Duke of Argyll), one in Lochaber (Fort William) and one in Lewis (Stornoway) [ref]. A burgh is "a town possessing special privileges conferred by charter (a royal charter in the case of royal burghs) and having a town council to run its affairs" [ref]. Its establishment as a burgh town did not commence until 1607, and Campbeltown did not become a royal burgh until 1700.

According to David Stirk's The Distilleries of Campbeltown, all the ingredients for distilling were in place in and around Lochead [the original name of Campbeltown] during the 1600s. Peat was in plentiful supply, and the region was ideal for growing barley, especially the bere variety.

In 1794, Dr John Smith, minister of the Highland Parish Church noted that "next to the fishing of herrings, the business most attended to in Campbeltown, is the distilling of whisky" for which he notes the presence of 22 stills in the town, producing 19,800 gallons. [ref]

Thanks mainly to increases in Excise duties on spirit produced, in addition to still license duties, "distilling on a legal basis was virtually non-existent between 1797 and 1817" - "duty had been increased to 9s per gallon of still volume, and the legal distillers went underground and refused to pay up". It was argued that the excise was stripping away any profits and making it unfeasible for anyone to compete legally with the illicit distillers/smugglers. [ref]

Additionally, "the Highland Line which acted as a legislative boundary between two areas of Scotland - the Highlands and Lowlands - and which created a two-tier system of Excise regulation", caused further issues. Distillers on either side of the line complained that the other guy was getting a better deal. Campbeltown had been lumped in with the Highland Excise region, and in a memorandum by the Distillers of the Burgh of Campbeltown to the Commissioners of Excise for Scotland, they state "although the Lowland Distiller paid a much higher duty than the Highland Distiller, he was enabled to make spirits at a much cheaper rate, from the advantages he enjoyed - such as having a still of any size, and not being restricted in the quantity of spirits distilled annually - being allowed to distil every kind of grain (wheat excepted) and also from roots, herbs or other substances that spirits could be extracted from - having liberty to sell his spirits in any part of the Kingdom". Whereas, "the poor Highland Distiller... being confined to a Forty Gallon Still, to bear, the growth of his poor bleak district, and the sale of his spirits confined to the Highland Distilleries'. [ref]

The Lowlands Distilleries were able to make more spirit more economically and sell it wherever they pleased. They were selling into the Highlands at a rate cheaper than the Highlands could make it legally, which made it unviable to possess a distillery license in Campbeltown.

And yet, Robert Armour, local plumber and part time still maker, recorded £2000 revenue in the sale of stills from the period May 1811 to September 1817. And in 1815 one farm near Campbeltown transacted in 195 copper stills, with a sale price of between £3 and £5 for a complete still with head and condensing worm. From 1797 to 1799 "no less than 292 stills were seized and condemned in Argyll South, including 147 in the year 1798". [ref]

Whisky was still very much being distilled in the region, but there was no Excise heading back to the crown, as almost none of it was being produced legally.

In 1818 the the Highland Line was abolished along with the still duty license, but the tax on spirit was increased 9 shillings 4 and a half penny per gallon. It wasn't until 1823, when the cost of an annual license was put at £10, did it truly incentivise the distillers to legitimise. [ref]

The Whisky Boom

The first of the new era of legal distilleries was built in 1817, by John Mactaggart (a maltster) and John Beith (banker), which they named Campbeltown Distillery. The next (Kinloch Distillery and Caledonian Distillery) would be founded with the revision of annual license fees in 1823. By 1828 an additional twelve distilleries established themselves in Campbeltown. In 1835 Campbeltown, "with a population of around 6,000, had 29 distilleries". [ref] 

In that same year (1835), William Smith Jr. noted in Views of Campbeltown [ref] that "each of the present distilleries now produces on average 20,000 gallons". In the year ending 1834, nearly 300,000 gallons of whisky were carried by steam ship from Campbeltown to Glasgow. The whisky was sold in bulk and used for blending. Due to additional taxation on sales to England, most of the whisky handled only by agents within Glasgow. Distilleries were producing a commodity subject to the prices and whims of a commodity market that suddenly had no shortage of supply.

William Smith Jr. also noted that "at one time, if 300 gallons were in bond, the whole work was stopped until a market had been found for this amazing quantity. Whereas now [1835], some of the Distillers may sometimes have on hand, when prices are low, nearly 3,000 gallons, and still continue working, feeling confident of a sure market for their produce". [ref]

Campbeltown's distilleries had complete faith in their ability to sell all the whisky they were distilling.

Alfred Barnard commented on Campbeltown's history when he visited in 1885 ish (it must have been after May 1885 as he intended to catch the steam ship Davaar).

"during the last century and up to seventy years ago the unlawful occupation of distilling Whisky was carried on to the greatest extent, the landed proprietors rather encouraging the practice. Those found smuggling by the Excise Officers were brought before the Court of Justice and fined, but usually the judge was one of the landed proprietors, so the fines were small and many got off free. When legal distilling was first introduced the Distillers met with a good deal of opposition and resentment from the smugglers, but they managed to live it down, and now to the quality of the product, the trade developed so rapidly that it has now become the staple article of commerce, and there are no less than twenty-one Distilleries in Campbeltown."

1835 saw the last distillery (Lochruan) built in Campbeltown for another nine years. Broombrae Distillery and Union Distillery went under in 1834, which also saw the cessation of Thistle Distillery operations. Thistle Distillery ended as an entity in 1837 when it resumed operations under the name Mountain Dew, but Mountain Dew was in receivership by 1841. 

While several of the distilleries had closed by the time Alfred Barnard visited, the 1889 Campbeltown Statistics (published in Distilleries of Campbeltown) note that 1.4 million gallons of spirit were produced that year, with 6.5 million gallons in warehouses. Campbeltown was still a powerhouse for whisky production, and Barnard called it the "Whisky City". It took him two weeks to visit all the distilleries.

First up on Alfred Barnard's visit was Hazelburn Distillery, and he notes a "production of 302,000 gallons of whisky per annum, though when full, will hold 500,000 gallons per annum". 

"Hazelburn distillery was founded in the last century, and rebuilt in the year 1836. It is said to be planted on the site of the Parliament House where James IV held a parliament when he emancipated the vassals of the McDonalds."

Next he visited Springbank Distillery and noted "granaries, each 100 ft long and 44 ft wide, and then the Malt Floors which are the same dimensions ... Three Pot Stills ... and the annual output is 145,000 gallons, which is principally sold in London and Glasgow". A visitor to Springank Distillery today would be able to note similar features, and with a marginal increase in output to 164,000 imperial gallons (750,000 litres).

The Decline

The decline in distilleries would commence in earnest not long after Barnard's visit. As Charles MacLean points out in Spirit of Place,

"this was the high point of the town’s fortunes; during the late 1880s and ’90s, blenders were looking for lighter, more fragrant malts – such as those found on Speyside – rather than the heavy and variable Campbeltown malts. Many of the town’s distilleries closed before World War I and a further 17 were shut down during the 1920s, leaving just three: Springbank, Glen Scotia and Riechlachan."

The Revival

Despite the decline in production, Campbeltown's whisky industry maintained its status as a Scotch Whisky Region, and not only has it managed to weather the storm but is now experiencing a resurgence. In addition to distillery stalwarts Springbank, Glen Scotia, and Glengyle, there are plans to build three new distilleries in Campbeltown. 

The owners of Brave New Spirits (a Glasgow-based independent whisky bottler and blender), Adam Hochul and Alexander Springensguth, have submitted plans recently (2023) to build Witchburn Distillery located between Campbeltown Airport and Machrihanish Village on a former Royal Air Force site, "which will produce two million litres of alcohol per year [and] will be powered by 100% green renewable energy sources."

The owners of the Isle of Raasay Distillery, R&B Distillers, are constructing Machrihanish Distillery, the first new farm distillery in the Campbeltown region for over 180 years. Machrihanish Distillery also plans to utilise a sustainable net-zero distilling process. Production capacity will initially be 400,000 litres. The owners are hoping to commence construction at the end of 2023.

And in 2022, plans were submitted for the Dal Riata Distillery, located on Kinloch Road overlooking Campbeltown Loch. Dál Riata's capacity will be 850,000 litres of spirit per annum and utilise locally grown barley from Dunadd Hillfort.

References and Further Reading