Eden Mill, has reached the next stage of construction of its new extended distillery and visitor centre at the University of St Andrews’ Eden Campus, a site dedicated to zero-carbon and sustainable businesses and research firms.
It marked the occasion with a special ceremony between Eden Mill and the University of St Andrews, who have have been working closely with the company over the last year on the construction of the distillery, as it moves towards becoming fully operational and opening in 2024. The distillery has been designed by Glasgow-based architects Opfer Logan with the space dedicated to sustainable business practice and research.
As well as the creation of a new gin and whisky visitor experience which will guide people through the spirit-making process, guests will be able to browse a retail store and relax in the café overlooking the Eden Estuary.
The campus itself will be a hub for collaboration within the private sector, to develop new, sustainable technologies, such as CO2 conversion into fuel and hydrogen-based energy systems. Designed to become a ‘living lab’ where low-carbon technology and net-zero living is demonstrated in real life, it won the Sustainable Development Award at the Scottish Green Energy Awards and Eden Mill has partnered with the University of St Andrews to build the distillery on this site.
Stella Morse, Executive Chair at Eden Mill, said: “This new home is where we will continue producing our contemporary Scottish gins and restart distillation of our premium single Malt Scotch Whiskies, which will be laid down to mature over the coming years.
“Set to become one of Scotland’s iconic distilleries, it will also be a major St Andrews landmark and a Scottish tourist attraction, sitting at the mouth of the River Eden, with views across to the spires and fairways of St Andrews, a town globally renowned as the ‘Home of Golf’ and famed for its heritage and historic university.”
Director of the University of St Andrews Eden Campus, Geoff Morris said: “We are delighted that the Eden Mill team will be back at Eden Campus this month and forging ahead with their plans to create a world-class distillery and visitor centre. Apart from the high-quality products, we are especially pleased that the company will bring new skills and create local jobs. We will all raise a glass to that!”
Eden Mill Distillery will prioritise its ambition to be carbon neutral using sustainable build materials and once operational, will secure all its electricity from renewable sources, such as the University of St Andrews’ solar farm. In addition to this, the CO2 produced during the fermentation process will also be captured for later use by the University.
Rennie Donaldson, Chief Operating Officer at Eden Mill, added: “The new facility is a fantastic opportunity to revolutionise how we produce our gin and whisky and will incorporate as many environmentally friendly features as possible.
We are committed to working with local contractors and specialists on this renovation project and we can’t wait to open a space that’s versatile, acts as a community hub and practices sustainable distilling methods.”
