Stannergill Distillery has officially opened its doors inside the newly restored Castletown Mill.
Castletown Mill is one of the most distinctive historic sites on Scotland’s northern coastline. It’s now home to a Scotch whisky distillery, thanks to an ambitious project that comes from the founders of Dunnet Bay Distillers. The makers of Rock Rose Gin put a working distillery, restaurant, and shop in the derelict landmark, breathing new life into Castletown Mill.
A crowdfunding campaign accompanies the announcement. It invites whisky fans, local supporters, and the global Caithness community to help shape the future of Stannergill Distillery.
The original Castletown Mill, pre-restoration
Stannergill Distillery brings Castletown Mill back to life
Castletown Mill stood unused for decades. It was actually King Charles who noted a concern for its condition back in 2007. Built as a grain mill, the structure had slid into disrepair and risked being lost entirely. The Dunnet Bay team stepped in with a plan.
The ambition was to sympathetically restore the mill. Its historic character remains in the new site. Organic Architects led the restoration, working closely with Historic Environment Scotland and Highland Council to safeguard the building’s character. Local contractor Norbloc Construction delivered the work, supporting employment and skills within Caithness throughout the project.
Martin Murray, founder of Dunnet Bay Distillers, has driven past the Mill for more than twenty-five years and always dreamed of bringing it back to life. He first tried to buy it back in 2008 with the idea of turning it into a whisky distillery. It’s taken almost two decades, but the idea has finally become reality.
Meet Martin and Claire Murray (and dog)
The spirit: coastal Highland character with Speyside finesse
The future Stannergill whisky promises to combine Highland coastal freshness with the elegance of classic Speyside distillation. Born from Highland spring water and matured overlooking rugged Caithness shores, this new single malt intends to reflect its environment without losing approachability.
Co-founder Claire Murray emphasises that the project represents more than whisky. To her, it is about community and heritage. Castletown Mill is a place that matters deeply to the people who live nearby.
Stannergill Distillery will open its bar, tours, and tasting experiences by Easter 2026. Visitors will be able to explore the mill’s story, learn about whisky making on the northern edge of Scotland, and enjoy the site’s restaurant and shop.
Its position on the NC500 ensures a steady flow of visitors, making it a powerful addition to local tourism and an important anchor for Caithness hospitality.
How Castletown Mill looks now, as Stannergill Distillery
Looking to the future of Stannergill Distillery
With the distillery build finished and production underway, Stannergill is ready to look forward. The crowdfunding campaign aims to support the construction of a new maturation warehouse and help expand the distillery team.
In return for backing the project, supporters will gain access to exclusive experiences, limited edition releases, and behind-the-scenes opportunities that will not be offered elsewhere.
Supporters who want to join Stannergill Distillery at this early stage can find full details of the crowdfunding campaign on the distillery website.