An Orkney gin company which opened its premises to visitors only a year ago has already achieved its Five Star Quality Assurance award from VisitScotland.
The Orkney Distillery and Visitor Centre, situated on Kirkwall’s harbour front, is the home of Kirkjuvagr Orcadian gin and received the award from the national tourism body.
In the short time it has been open, the small team has hosted thousands of people on distillery tours, developed and launched four new gins and hosted a number of events ranging from the St Magnus International Festival to an evening with the Consul General of Japan.
Its 11 staff – headed up by operations manager Katie Macleod – run the distillery as well as offering tours at least twice a day for gin enthusiasts from around the world.
Lee Inkster, for VisitScotland, said: “I am thrilled that the team at Orkney Distilling have achieved the coveted five stars so quickly.
“Food and drink are a key part of the visitor experience and visitors spend around 20% of their expenditure on both, so the distillery is a marvellous addition to Orkney’s visitor offering.
“Gin and its associated distilleries are fast becoming a popular attraction for our visitors, keen to experience – and take away – an authentic and locally-produced drink.”