Chivas Brothers celebrated the official opening of its Scapa single malt whisky distillery visitor centre in Orkney yesterday.
It is the first time the public has been allowed into the plant in its 130-year history.
Visitors can now enjoy a tour of the site – home to a rare Lomond still – and its traditional, manually-operated production methods.
They can also walk along the front of the distillery to see Scapa Flow, the natural harbour separating each of the Orkney islands and also the final resting place of scuttled German warships.
Chivas, which is owned by French drink giant Pernod Ricard, has around 100,000 people visit its whisky and gin visitor centres every year. The firm’s other brands include Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet and Ballantine’s.
Visitor centres manager Caroline Mitchell said: “We are very excited to be able to offer Scotch aficionados, locals and tourists alike the chance to immerse themselves in the Scapa experience for the first time.
“Our boutique distillery’s visitor centre will provide our guests with an educational experience in a natural environment and we look forward to welcoming them to one of the most remote and beautiful locations in Scotland.”
Scapa distilling manager Brian MacAulay added: “I have personally taken the pleasure in removing our no visitors sign. I know I speak on behalf of the team here in saying that we can’t wait to see the Scapa distillery form an interesting, educative and welcoming part of the Orkney community.”