Revamped Tain attraction is a 'must see'
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THE wraps next week come of a revamped Easter Ross visitor centre which it’s claimed will become "one of Scotland’s must-see tourist attractions".
Glenmorangie will next weekend officially throw open the doors of its renovated visitor centre at its distillery in Tain, the latest phase of a multimillion-pound investment programme.
Visitors to the facility, which already attracts around 25,000 people a year, are promised an insight into the art and craftsmanship which makes Glenmorangie Scotland’s favourite malt.
The major revamp includes new gallery spaces exploring Glenmorangie’s history and connection to the local landscape, including a glass replica of the Hilton of Cadboll stone.
A new film, archive room and sleek dramming room complete with slate stone bar and giant 16-seater American oak table is included for guests to sample whiskies.
The new attractions will be unveiled at a special family friendly open weekend next Saturday and Sunday (October 15 and 16).
During the weekend the legendary "Men of Tain" whose job is perfecting Glenmorangie, will conduct special live demonstrations of the whisky-making process from the importance of natural ingredients through mashing and distillation to the long years of maturation.
Weekend tours will conclude with a Glenmorangie tasting accompanied by canapés. Throughout the day there will be family friendly activities such as children’s quizzes and face-painting.
On Saturday there will be falconry displays between 11am and 3pm and on the Sunday the Tain Pipe Band will play at 1pm and 3pm, featuring Glenmorangie’s own mashman and warehouseman.
Andy MacDonald, manager at Glenmorangie Distillery, said, "The completion of our new visitor centre is very exciting for us. It provides visitors with a unique insight into the Glenmorangie whisky-making process and makes the distillery at Tain a must-see attraction."
The newly commissioned film charts the brand’s provenance and its international rise. The new VIP Signet Room for private tastings is, said Mr MacDonald, "another wonderful addition to the experience".
The Glenmorangie Visitor Centre was first opened back in 1994 when it was just a small shop. Since then it has been expanded with a museum section opened by Prince Andrew in 1996.
Another recently added attraction at the distillery is the installation of a stained glass window, which sends shafts of light into the cathedral-like atmosphere of the still house. Scottish artist and glass painter John Clark was commissioned to produce the eye-catching piece.
Dr Bill Lumsden, the Glenmorangie Company’s head of distilling and whisky creation, said, "The distillery at Tain is at the heart of everything that we do at Glenmorangie so it is very exciting that the new visitor centre is now open for visits. Whether you’re a lifelong or new fan of whisky all our visitors will now have a unique insight into what makes Glenmorangie so special."
