A proposed £35 million (US$46.7m) Centre for Advanced Brewing and Distilling (CABD) at Heriot-Watt University could generate an additional £53.4m (US$71.2m) for the Scottish economy each year, according to a new report from BiGGAR Economics. The independent Economic Impact Assessment analyzes the potential benefits of the state-of-the-art facility, which would continue the Edinburgh university’s brewing and distilling research dating back to 1903.
BiGGAR estimates that within 10 years, the CABD could generate a total economic impact of £324.8m (US$433m) in Gross Value Added (GVA) per year for Scotland, alongside 1,570 jobs.
The new center would build on the success of Heriot-Watt’s International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD), which has supported the sector for nearly 40 years. In 2024/25, the ICBD generated £240.1m (US$320m) GVA for the Scottish economy and supported 1,180 jobs.
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To construct the CABD, Heriot-Watt is seeking £25.3m (US$33.7m) from industry and £9.7m (US$12.9m) in public investment. BiGGAR’s assessment states the center could deliver £20.80 of economic benefit for every £1 of public funding invested.
Scotland’s alcohol sector currently employs 60,000 people, representing 2.4% of all jobs in the country and 71% of the UK’s distilling workforce.
The report warns that the ICBD’s ability to sustain its success is under threat, with facilities no longer able to meet student and industry demand.
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READ THE STORYA new center would help the sector tackle 21st-century challenges, including a commitment to reach net zero by 2040, high water usage in Scotch whisky production, and input costs that rose 37% between 2020 and 2025.
To be located beside the National Robotarium, the CABD would house plug-and-play brewing and distilling equipment, advanced research labs, a sensory suite, and carbon capture technology.
Professor Chris Turney, deputy principal of research and innovation at Heriot-Watt University, said the report “provides a huge vote of confidence in our vision.” He added: “Now we can build a new era for brewing and distilling, driven by sustainability and excellence, and keep Scotland where it belongs: a global leader in both.”
Ewan Andrew, Diageo’s president of global supply chain and procurement and chief sustainability officer, who co-chairs Heriot-Watt’s CABD fundraising committee, said: “Together, industry investment, philanthropy, government and academic excellence can build resilience and growth opportunities at a speed and scale none of us can achieve alone.”
Shona Glenn, director at BiGGAR Economics, said the ICBD’s “facilities and equipment are no longer fit for purpose.” She added: “The CABD would address this by providing a bespoke new facility designed to meet the research and development needs of the sector and facilitate industry wide collaboration.”
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