A New Chapter for Campbeltown: Dál Riata Distillery Breaks Ground

One of Scotland’s most historic whisky regions is welcoming a bold new addition as the team behind the Dál Riata Distillery celebrates a major milestone in their journey from dream to reality.

Building Warrant Secured: Construction to Begin

Dál Riata, a planned distillery in the heart of Campbeltown, has officially secured building warrants—marking a key turning point that allows construction to begin on its Kinloch Road site, overlooking the picturesque Campbeltown Loch.

While planning permission was granted in 2023, it’s taken nearly two years of preparation and approvals before shovels could finally be readied for the ground. The team can now move forward with building what they hope will be a standout contributor to Scotland’s whisky legacy.

The Visionaries Behind the Project

The distillery is the brainchild of industry figures Iain Croucher, Ronnie Grant, and David Stirk. For Ronnie and Iain, the spark was lit during a stroll past the old Kinloch distillery site in 2021. That moment led to a bold decision—to purchase nearby land and establish a new distillery in Campbeltown.

“Obtaining building warrants is like maturing a fine malt—it takes a wee while,” said Ronnie Grant. “But good things are worth waiting for. On June 5, 2025, Argyll & Bute Council approved our next step. The Dál Riata Distillery will no longer be a dream—it will be reality!”

Campbeltown: A Region Rich in Whisky Heritage

Known as Scotland’s smallest whisky region, Campbeltown boasts a deep distilling history. Once dubbed the “Whisky Metropolis” in the 19th century, the town was home to over 30 distilleries at its peak. Its success stemmed from a convenient natural harbour, nearby coal supplies, and access to Glasgow’s blending houses.

However, the town’s fortunes shifted dramatically in the early 20th century. A combination of American Prohibition, changing consumer preferences, and the impact of World War I led to a sharp decline in the industry. By the 1930s, only two distilleries remained.

Now, with projects like Dál Riata, Campbeltown is experiencing a long-awaited whisky renaissance.

More Than Just a Distillery

Dál Riata won’t be a small operation. With a projected production capacity of 850,000 litres of pure alcohol per year, the site will also house a bottling company and expansive warehousing facilities. It promises not only high-quality Scotch whisky, but also a significant economic boost for the area.

Iain Croucher, founder of North Star Spirits and a frequent visitor to Campbeltown, sees it as a natural fit: “Campbeltown is magnificent in just about every way. I holiday here twice a year with my wife and kids. Just so happens it’s also my favourite Scotch whisky region.”

Why is the Distillery Called Dál Riata?

The name Dál Riata pays tribute to the ancient kingdom that once spanned the western coast of Scotland and parts of northeastern Ireland from the 6th to 9th centuries. The distillery plans to honour this legacy by using locally grown barley from Dunadd Hillfort—once the capital of the Dál Riata kingdom.

This connection to the land and its history will influence the distillery’s approach, focusing on styles and traditions consistent with whiskies from Scotland’s Western Seaboard.

A Bright Future Ahead

With work scheduled to begin before the end of 2025, Dál Riata is set to become the third new distillery in the region—adding a fresh voice to Campbeltown’s resurging whisky narrative.

As Ronnie Grant put it: “There is no better whisky town in Scotland than Campbeltown. We are proud to add to the ‘wee toon’s’ rich distilling history.”

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