THE Isle of Harris Distillery has opened its doors, the culmination of a seven-year drive to establish the Hebridean island’s first commercial whisky distillery, writes Ian McConnnell.
The distillery, which is providing 20 jobs on an island on which long-term employment is difficult to find, invited the entire population of Harris to take part in its opening celebrations.
Isle of Harris Distillery managing director Simon Erlanger said: “Our story is absolutely connected to island life. It’s about the people of Harris and we want to show that in the celebrations for our opening.”
Distillery chairman and founder Anderson Bakewell said: “It is on this special island that conditions prevail for the production and maturation of a unique and exceedingly fine malt whisky. As if that was not enough, we have every expectation that it should inspire creative initiatives, entrepreneurial, cultural and social, for the benefit of the island’s future, helping to retain those here and attract back those who left.”
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