A Moray distillery which has seen more than four million visitors from around the world pass through the doors has just celebrated its 45th anniversary.
The five-star Glenfiddich Distillery began admitting members of the public in 1969 when it had no official visitor facilities. In recent years more than £2 million has been spent on upgrading the centre.
Head cooper Ian McDonald, one of Glenfiddich’s longest serving craftsmen, is also marking his 45th anniversary at the Dufftown distillery. He said: “It has been a pleasure to work here.
“Glenfiddich is like a big family and your colleagues are also your friends. I have spent my whole working life at this distillery and feel privileged to be involved in the making of a wonderful single malt.”
A £1.8 million investment in 2006 created the Glenfiddich experience, which included the development of a modern brand heritage centre, and a stylish coffee shop and bar.
A further investment saw the introduction of an award winning restaurant and a bar featuring the largest pouring selection of Glenfiddich whiskies in the world.
Laura Rose, the visitor centre area leader, said: “Last year alone we welcomed visitors from more than 20 countries worldwide and provided them with an informative and memorable insight into the making of our single malt.
“Very little has changed at Glenfiddich Distillery in more than 126 years.
“We still use traditional wooden wash backs, have the same shaped copper stills and employ all our own craftsmen including warehouse men, coopers, stillmen and mashmen. Many of our employees have been with us for decades.”
The distillery also runs the popular artists-in-residence programme which is now in its thirteenth year. Eleven artists from around the world will be based in Dufftown and host exhibitions over the summer.