Historic Environment Scotland has confirmed Aceo Distillers Company Limited will take over management of Dallas Dhu, implementing phased development of the site.
A HISTORIC local business is to re-open thanks to a national distiller and support from the Scottish Government.
Custodian Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that Dallas Dhu distillery will reopen as a working distillery - Aceo Distillers Company Limited (Aceo) will take over management of distillery operations, implementing a phased program of development of the site.
HES will retain guardianship of the site on behalf of Scottish Ministers.
HES director of marketing and engagement, Stephen Duncan, said: “This reopening marks a new chapter for the distillery, and we are confident it will attract visitors, while also bringing benefits to the local community and economy.
“Dallas Dhu offers a unique opportunity to showcase traditional distilling techniques as a living history attraction.”
Dallas Dhu will be transformed into a unique heritage attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to experience artisanal Scotch whisky production methods.
The focus will be on showcasing the rich history of Speyside whisky and the art of traditional Scotch whisky making.
Phased improvements from Aceo will include bonded warehousing facilities and reintroduction of whisky production, alongside improvements to enhance the visitor experience. The new visitor centre will offer tours focusing on the story of Scotch whisky and Speyside production.
Investment will prioritise sustainable improvements to the distillery, ensuring the nature of the process remains central to the experience.
Built by entrepreneur Alexander Edward, Dallas Dhu has a long and distinguished history. Originally constructed to meet the growing demand for Scotland's national drink, the distillery produced malt whisky for the popular Roderick Dhu blend for nearly a century.
Production ceased in 1983, and the distillery was handed into state care a few years later. The traditional distilling equipment remains as it was when the doors closed for the final time.
Aceo managing director, Edward Odim, said: "We are thrilled to be reopening Dallas Dhu.
“Our vision is to make it one of the leading, must-see whisky distilleries in Scotland, giving visitors a unique, close-up experience of whisky making.
“The aim is to breathe life back into the distillery by first getting the original equipment working and traditional whisky distilling going once again. “This revived, long-lost spirit will be matured in Dallas Dhu’s well-preserved Victorian dunnage warehouses.”
Longer-term, the plan is for a state-of-the-art visitor centre with exhibition and museum space, and a café/restaurant, to be enjoyed by visitors and the local community. A cooperage will display the art of the cooper, a working malting floor and an interactive virtual reality whisky experience looking at the science behind Scotland’s famous spirit.
Mr Odim added: “We also intend to tell the social and economic story of whisky production in Speyside, Scotland’s largest whisky producing region. So, it’s time for us to roll up our sleeves and get going on reviving this jewel in the crown of Scotland’s whisky distilleries.”
Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, said the collaboration between Historic Environment Scotland and Aceo marks the start of a new chapter for the site.
She said: "The re-introduction of whisky production and expansion of the visitor experience will breathe new life into a historically significant distillery, showing how Scotland's treasured heritage assets can be preserved and revitalised at the same time`.
"It's fantastic news for the local community in Forres, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will bring."
