The duke and duchess of Rothesay officially open Bladnoch Distillery’s new Visitor Centre.

On 11 September 2019, The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay joined owners, David and Sallie Prior in officially opening the newly built Bladnoch Distillery Visitor Centre. The occasion was marked by the unveiling of a plaque by Their Royal Highnesses in front of a group of 50 special guests.

Their Royal Highnesses arrived at Bladnoch Distillery at 11.40am to be greeted by The Priors and Bladnoch’s Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage. After a tour of the new Visitor Centre, His Royal Highness joined Mr Prior and Dr Savage on a production tour of the site, whilst Her Royal Highness took the opportunity to meet groups and individuals that have made an impact in the local Dumfries and Galloway community.

David Prior invited Their Royal Highnesses to sign a cask of Bladnoch Whisky which would then be aged at the distillery and released at a later date.

Upon sampling a dram of Bladnoch Single Malt, His Royal Highness remarked, “it keeps the mind, body and soul all together.”

Guests then gathered at the entrance of the distillery’s new Visitor Centre for the official unveiling ceremony. David Prior spoke to his guests briefly on the significance of the occasion not only for his team but for the wider Dumfries and Galloway community.

“It’s an absolute honour owning a business like this with such great history and provenance, and over the past few years to have led the revival of this incredible distillery. To have it once again back in its place within the local community, a place of pride, for employment and now again for tourism with the opening of the Visitor Centre and the Melba Cafe.”

Their Royal Highnesses unveiled an engraved plaque which reads:
Bladnoch Distillery Visitor Centre
Officially opened by
TRH The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay
On 11 September 2019