Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has officially opened the breathtaking new Luss Distillery on the shores of Loch Lomond, in a major boost for whisky tourism and rural jobs.
The £25 million development by Loch Lomond Group is one of the biggest single investments in Scotch whisky visitor experiences in years and comes at a critical time for an industry facing global headwinds.
A Personal Touch from the Top
John Swinney toured the brand-new facilities in the picturesque village of Luss on Monday, chatted with staff, and unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
The First Minister was clearly impressed. He called the distillery “world-class” and praised Loch Lomond Group for investing when many others are holding back.
“This investment is extremely welcome, particularly when there are serious challenges impacting the whisky sector,” Swinney said.
He highlighted how places like Luss tell the real story of Scotch: history, craft, and the people behind every bottle that travels the globe.
What Visitors Will Actually Experience
Luss Distillery is not just another production site. It is built purely as a visitor destination.
Four striking buildings sit right on the loch shore:
- A fully working distillery where visitors can watch whisky and gin being made
- Immersive discovery zones that walk you through the Loch Lomond story
- A dedicated tasting room with loch views
- A waterfront café and premium retail space
The design is the work of Scottish studio Paul Hodgkiss Designs and brand agency Hot Pickle. Every detail, from the copper stills to the timber cladding, echoes the landscape around it.
After a soft launch in late 2025, the distillery expects to welcome up to one million visitors in 2026 alone.
Jobs, Growth, and a Lifeline for Rural Scotland
Loch Lomond Group says the project has already created dozens of permanent jobs in Luss and the surrounding area, with more to come.
Colin Matthews, founder and CEO of the group, handed the First Minister a personalised bottle of Loch Lomond 14-Year-Old Luss Exclusive Cask, one of only 291 produced.
Matthews used the moment to remind politicians that Scotch whisky still supports 42,000 jobs across Scotland and adds £5.3 billion to the economy every year.
But he was blunt about the challenges: punishing alcohol duty, threat of US tariffs, and slow progress on trade deals with India.
“Continued investment is more important than ever,” Matthews said. “We need cross-party support to keep this great industry thriving.”
Perfect Timing for Loch Lomond Tourism
The opening comes just weeks before the 2026 tourist season kicks into gear.
Luss is already one of Scotland’s most photographed villages. Now it has a flagship attraction that can keep visitors longer and encourage them to spend more locally.
VisitScotland estimates whisky tourism is worth £860 million a year and growing. Destinations like Luss are exactly what modern travellers want: authentic, beautiful, and interactive.
Early feedback from preview visitors has been glowing. Many say it rivals top experiences on Islay or Speyside, yet it sits just 40 minutes from Glasgow.
The distillery has made a point of celebrating both its whisky heritage and its newer gin brand, Littlemill Gin, giving it broad appeal to younger visitors and non-whisky drinkers too.
The message from everyone involved is clear: Scotland remains open for business, proud of its past, and excited about its future.
As the First Minister raised a dram overlooking the loch, it felt like a genuine moment of optimism for an industry that has had a tough couple of years.
Luss Distillery is now officially open. If you love Scotch, gin, or simply stunning places, put it on your 2026 list.
What do you think: can new destinations like Luss help turn the tide for Scotch whisky tourism? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and tag #LussDistillery when you visit and share your photos.
