These are the ten most popular Scottish distillery visitors centers according to footfall. The ones whisky fans love to explore and recommend. Some of them may surprise you, but all of them offer a glimpse into the world of scotch whisky.
It’s worth noting that the visitor numbers used here are based on the most recent complete set of data available in The Scotch Whisky Industry Review, which thanks to the disruptions caused by covid and the delay in them being released are from back in 2019! The most recently released data covers 2022 (published in 2024), but as many distilleries still didn’t report figures the footfall in 2022 was just 16% of the pre-covid levels. As such I stuck with the 2019 data.
That being said, Diageo released their 2023 visitor numbers earlier this year, so if you want to know which of Diageo’s distilleries are the most popular, check out this post too.
Position 10: The Macallan Distillery Visitor Centre (Speyside)
The Macallan’s new visitor center was opened in 2018 as part of the complete renovation of their distillery. With 55,000 visitors it quickly re-secured its spot in the top ten. The Macallan estate is in the heart of Speyside and offers some truly stunning scenery and plenty of other activities as well. This state of the art experience center requires advanced booking and with Macallan celebrating their 200th anniversary this year it may be busy, so do plan your trip in advance.
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The advantage of visiting Speyside of course is that there are lots of distilleries to explore in a relatively small area, which brings us neatly on to number nine.
Position 9: The Glenfiddich Distillery (Speyside)
At number nine with almost 57,000 visitors the Glenffiddich distillery is an unsurprising entry given that Glenffiddich whisky is one of the most popular single malt scotch whiskies in the world (it usually shares spot one or two with Glenlivet). The distillery is also the joint largest in Scotland, with an incredible capacity of 21 million liters per year via 43 stills!
Glenffiddich also benefits from being in the heart of the beautiful Speyside region, which is ideal for attracting whisky fans as they explore the many distilleries in the area. The distillery shop is open seven days a week but if you want to tour the distillery make sure you book online.
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Position 8: Oban Distillery (West Highlands)
For the 8th most popular distillery we head over to the west coast of Scotland, and the first of Diageo’s four distilleries in the top ten, with just over 57,000 visitors. The Oban distillery is at the heart of the pretty seaside town of the same name and Oban’s distinctive red chimney rises from amongst the houses and shops. Because of its town center location the Oban distillery is one of the smallest in Scotland but there is plenty to see and learn from this historic whisky maker.
The town is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Isles” making it a perfect holidaying spot for scotch lovers after a base for exploring further afield. See entries six and two if you’re looking for options in that direction.
Position 7: Dalwhinnie (Central Highlands)
We head back inland and to the edge of the Cairngorms National Park for the seventh most popular distillery, Dalwhinnie, which has over 58,000 visitors. This pretty distillery was designed by renowned distillery architect Charles Doig and supports the iconic pagodas also designed by Doig. The distinctive pointed chimneys were there to help prevent fires caused by on-site malting. Nowadays most distilleries buy their grain ready malted, which has significantly increased the fire safety in distilleries but the pagoda’s have become synonymous with Scotland’s distilling heritage.
Pop in to Dalwhinnie’s gift shop or book on to a tour to get the full experience.
Position 6: Talisker (Isle of Skye)
We’re back to the west coast for the sixth most popular distillery and this time right out to the gorgeous Isle of Skye. This distillery is going to take some getting too, but the history and scenery is well worth the trip, especially if you’re a fan of complex whiskies and rugged walks. It must be worth it as over 59,000 people make the pilgrimage.
The Talisker distillery reopened in 2022 after a huge renovation project. As well as a shop and bookable tours as of 2024 you can also enjoy a meal in the waterfront space; The Three Chimneys At Talisker is available to book or you can enjoy lighter meals as a walk in guest.
Position 5: Glenturret (Central Highlands)
The oldest distillery in Scotland begins our top five, with a jump up to 68,000 visitors. Less than 40 minutes drive west of Perth, the Glenturret distillery offers a wide variety of bookable distillery tours as well as its shop and cafe. In the heart of the pretty site, discerning whisky connoisseurs can also book a table at the Glenturret’s Michelin Star restaurant for a truly extraordinary culinary experience in a historic distillery setting.
As the distillery recently became part of the Lalique group, the Glenturret is also home to the only Lalique boutique in Scotland. This offers a fantastic glimpse into one of the world’s foremost luxury glassmakers in Scotland’s oldest whisky distillery.
Position 4: Blair Athol Distillery (Central Highlands)
Diageo’s historically most popular distillery in terms of footfall is the Blair Athol distillery, which is the fourth most visited in Scotland with over 78,000 visitors. The Blair Athol distillery is 40 minutes north of Perth on the A9 route round the Cairngorms (one potential route to Speyside) making it a great part of a trip to the national park or to multiple distilleries.
The distinctive ivy-clad facade of Blair Athol changes color with the seasons and also houses the distillery shop. It’s not strictly necessary to book tours in advance but it is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Position 3: Glengoyne Distillery (Southern Highlands)
With over 81,000 visitors the Glengoyne distillery is the third most visited in Scotland, and is just 30 minutes north of Glasgow. Glengoyne is often described as the most beautiful distillery in Scotland. It is certainly stunning, nestled beneath the hill of Dumgoyne, and it is also one of the easiest to get to.
This makes Glengoyne an ideal option if your trip is too short to go trekking into the highlands or islands. Unsurprisingly for the third busiest visitor center in Scotland, you will need to make sure you book your visit in advance.
Position 2: Isle of Harris Distillery (The Isle of Harris)
When you visit the second most popular visitor center in Scotland you are kind of getting two for one. The Isle of Harris distillery makes both whisky and gin, which may explain the surprising popularity of this remote island distillery. The distillery opened in 2015 and released its first single malt scotch in 2023, the Hearach.
The Isle of Harris itself is beautiful in the rugged ways of north Scotland, and the relatively new distillery is both modern and traditional in its design and ways. There is a distillery shop and daily tours, which you don’t need to book but booking is recommended in peak seasons.
With ferries available from the Isle of Skye, as well as flights from mainland Scotland, this could be one to tie in with other tours as part of a larger trip through Scotland—for me, any excuse is fine.
Position 1: Lochranza Distillery (Isle of Arran)
The most popular distillery visitor center in Scotland is another relatively new distillery and also on an island. The most visited distillery center in Scotland is on the slightly less remote Isle of Arran, which is just south-east of the Campbelltown Peninsular. It benefits from being one of Scotland’s more accessible islands, and has a little bit of everything landscape wise, making it a really popular choice with regular tourists and whisky fans.
The Lochranza distillery produces the Arran single malt whisky and also has a sister distillery, Lagg, which is also on the Isle of Arran and potentially worth a visit. Visitors to the Lochranza distillery can enjoy the visitor center and cafe as well as guided tours that are available daily. You can get to Arran on the ferry by car, which we would also suggest booking in advance.
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