The original Clynelish works became Brora, fell silent for 38 years and now distils again within a carefully restored complex of kiln, stillhouse and warehouses.
Quick facts
- Date
- Founded 1819; dated fabric of 1820 and 1896; restored 2018-21
- Architect / designer
- Sutherland Estate; enlarged by Ainslie and Company; later restoration for Diageo
- Type
- Historic whisky-distillery complex with kiln, stillhouse, chimney and warehouses
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB578)
- OS grid reference
- NC 89707 05498
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
Rubble ranges contain a pagoda-vented kiln, mill room, boiler house and stillhouse beside a tall brick chimney. Parallel stores and bonded warehouses step along the Clyne Burn, including seven 1896 ranges fitted into the triangular site. The modern Clynelish works across the road are not part of this listing.
Its story
The Sutherland Estate founded Clynelish in 1819, with dated fabric from 1820. Ainslie and Company enlarged the site in 1896. After a new Clynelish opened nearby, the older works became Brora, closed in 1983 and were restored over three years before production resumed in 2021.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises an exceptionally layered whisky complex whose early fabric, later warehouses and revived production connect two centuries of industrial architecture.
What to notice
- A pyramidal kiln roof crowned by a pagoda vent.
- The iron-banded brick chimney beside the older stone ranges.
- Warehouses stepping shorter beside the curving burn.
Reading the surroundings
The site is operational and access is controlled. Visit only on a pre-booked distillery experience, follow staff and age restrictions, and do not enter production, storage or service areas independently.
Timeline
- 1819-20 The Sutherland Estate established the original Clynelish distillery.
- 1896 Ainslie and Company enlarged the complex with new warehouse ranges.
- 1983 Production ceased at the works then known as Brora.
- 2021 Restoration returned the historic distillery to production.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The designation predates the 2021 restoration and should be read with current operator information; not every modern intervention or accessible space is described in the older listing.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Brora Distillery, Formerly Old Clynelish, LB578 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Brora Distillery: official visitor information — Current production, restoration history, appointment-only visiting and access guidance.
- Trove: Old Clynelish and Brora Distillery — National-record history, mapped identity and distinction from the modern Clynelish works.
Location
OS grid reference NC 89707 05498 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; an additional source confirms the Place relationship, history or current identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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