This Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session took place on 6th March 2025 at The Exchange, 29 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AJ, as part of Commercial Interiors UK’s Spring Networking Event. This session provided an in-depth exploration of Port of Leith Distillery, Scotland’s first vertical distillery, a landmark project that redefined whisky production, visitor experience, and waterfront regeneration.
Through this discussion, we examined the architectural vision, interior design strategy, and the challenges of creating a world-class distillery in a constrained urban environment.
Panel Speakers:
Robin Ellis – Senior Designer, Graven
Stefano Faiella – Architect & Director, 360Architecture
Ian Stirling – Owner, Muckle Brig & Port of Leith Distillery
The conversation covered key aspects of the project, from its business vision and design brief to its construction, sustainability strategy, and impact on the local community.
CPD Accreditation:
This session qualified as an accredited CPD. Attendees can download a CPD certificate by clicking here.
We were delighted to share valuable insights into this award-winning project:
1. The Business Vision & Origins
Port of Leith Distillery (PoLD) is Scotland’s first vertical single malt distillery and a groundbreaking example of modern whisky-making. It is a true mixed-use waterfront destination that redefines the traditional distillery experience.
The distillery was founded by Ian Stirling and Paddy Fletcher, who originally experimented with whisky production in their backyard before developing the ambition to build a state-of-the-art facility.
The location in Leith was chosen due to its rich whisky heritage and historical significance as Scotland’s trading gateway. The site sits adjacent to the Ocean Terminal, near the Royal Yacht Britannia, reinforcing its connection to Scotland’s maritime history.
The £12 million project was designed not just as a production facility but as a tourism and educational destination, with an expected annual footfall of 150,000 visitors. The building integrates production, tasting rooms, a retail shop, and a two-level bar, making it an immersive whisky experience.
PoLD and its sister Lind & Lime Gin Distillery have received top-tier sustainability accreditation, scoring 81% for their commitment to ethical business practices, local charity support, and equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
2. The Architectural Vision & Challenges
The vision was to create a modern, innovative distillery that would serve as a landmark for the Scotch whisky industry while demonstrating new possibilities in urban distillery design.
The unique vertical design was dictated by the constraints of the small waterfront site. The production process is stacked vertically across nine floors, with whisky-making operations on the lower levels and visitor experiences housed above.
The gravity-led whisky-making process enhances efficiency, allowing ingredients to move naturally from the upper floors through mashing, fermentation, and distillation before reaching the ground level for storage and distribution.
The architectural team at Threesixty Architecture faced significant structural challenges, including the need to withstand the harsh coastal environment and meet stringent post-Grenfell fire safety requirements for high-rise buildings.
Building Systems UK was engaged to design and specify the façade using their Trisobuild VW/FW Cladding System, which provides weather resistance, thermal efficiency, and fire safety compliance, ensuring the building meets strict industry regulations.
3. Interior Design & Crafting an Experience
The visitor journey is a core part of the design, mirroring the flow of whisky production. Guests ascend to the upper levels to begin their tour at the mash tun and gradually descend, following the production process, before ending their experience in the rooftop tasting rooms.
The interiors embrace an industrial aesthetic, incorporating steel, concrete, and glass to highlight the honesty of the production process while maintaining a warm and engaging atmosphere.
A strong sense of place is woven into the design, with panoramic views of Edinburgh, Leith, and the waterfront enhancing the visitor experience. The building acts as a gateway from the sea, symbolizing the return of whisky-making to Scotland’s historic port.
The materiality and colour palette were carefully chosen to reflect both the whisky-making process and the brand’s identity. Dark, rich materials evoke the depth of whisky flavours, while lighter tones create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
The retail, tasting, and hospitality spaces were designed to ensure a cohesive brand experience. Each space reinforces PoLD’s commitment to education, accessibility, and the celebration of whisky craftsmanship.
4. People, Community & Brand Storytelling
PoLD was designed with accessibility and inclusivity at its core, ensuring that whisky culture is approachable for all visitors, regardless of their level of expertise.
The building tells the story of the people behind the whisky, from the founders’ experimental beginnings to the master distillers shaping each batch. The transparency of the design allows visitors to see and engage with the whisky-making process.
The distillery plays an integral role in Leith’s waterfront regeneration, serving as both an economic driver and a cultural hub. The local community has embraced the distillery, recognizing it as a key part of the area’s revitalization.
PoLD has received national recognition for its commitment to sustainability, diversity, and local community engagement, setting a new benchmark for socially responsible business practices in the whisky industry.
Beyond its role as a production facility, the distillery functions as a cultural and tourism destination, contributing to Edinburgh’s global reputation as a centre for whisky innovation and excellence.
5. The Future of Whisky Spaces & Final Reflections
Port of Leith Distillery has already established itself as a new landmark in Leith and an exemplar in waterfront regeneration. Its mixed-use approach sets a precedent for the future design of urban distilleries.
The success of PoLD’s vertical model challenges traditional perceptions of distillery design, demonstrating that whisky production can thrive in high-density urban environments without compromising efficiency or visitor experience.
The project is an example of the growing trend of integrating production with hospitality, retail, and education, reinforcing the idea that modern whisky brands must offer more than just a product—they must deliver a fully immersive experience.
The building’s adaptability ensures that PoLD can continue to evolve alongside the whisky industry. Its infrastructure allows for future expansion and innovation, keeping the distillery at the forefront of Scotch whisky production.
Ultimately, PoLD is not just a whisky distillery—it is a statement of ambition, a symbol of Leith’s whisky heritage, and a model for the future of urban distillery design.