Forres Bank of Scotland to become new Aceo whisky shop
A historic, central, building that has been vacant for nearly three years is set to become a vibrant new business and tourist attraction.
Whisky specialist, Aceo Ltd, is opening the Murray McDavid Whisky Shop at The Old Bank - the former Bank of Scotland at 102 High Street by the Mercat Cross in the centre of Forres - on Friday.
Managing director, Edward Odim, is looking forward to adding to the firm’s local portfolio.
He said: “It's going to be wonderful to open the Murray McDavid Whisky Shop at The Old Bank and bring a unique whisky experience to the heart of the community.
“We’re incredibly proud to revive such a beautiful and historic building, transforming it into a vibrant, modern retail experience where locals and visitors can connect over great whisky.
“We are also pleased to be creating jobs, attracting tourists, and adding to the life of the town - we want to put Forres on the map as a must-visit destination for whisky lovers.”
Aceo has been in the whisky industry for 25 years, building its own spirit brands sold around the world including the award-winning Murray McDavid whisky. They provide business to business services including bottling, label design, cask storage and management, logistics and exports.
The company’s HQ is near Edinburgh but it has whisky maturation warehouses at Kinloss, Coleburn and Royal Brackla - together holding 70,000 casks - as well as a craft bottling Hall at Dandaleith near Craigellachie.
Aceo have contributed to the success of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival over the last 10 years, putting on whisky events and tastings that attract visitors from around the world.
Other assets include Parkmore Distillery manager’s house in Dufftown, an old stone-ruined Bothy in the Glenrinnes hills and Tide’s Edge Cottage, as well as beach huts in Findhorn.
The firm’s brand home, Dallas Dhu House, is on St Leonard’s Road and, last year, they took over the mothballed Dallas Dhu Distillery at the edge of town. They aim to restore the 19th century distillery and bring back whisky production to the site for the first time since 1983, and create a state-of-the-art visitor attraction.
Aceo’s new venture is further local investment, bolstering the whisky heritage of the area - generating employment opportunities and tourism.
The Victorian four-storey Bank of Scotland in Forres was opened in 1852, providing services until it closed for good in July 2022. The new whisky shop on the premises and re-opened distillery will enrich Aceo’s offering.
Murray McDavid will take centre stage at the new shop, offering visitors a comprehensive range of whiskies - many of which will not be found anywhere else.
Aceo also aims to build on what the premises offers, with a whisky club, bar, food, private event space and tasting experiences.
