Far north distillery owners 'thrilled' with Tourism Destination of the Year award
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The owners of 8 Doors Distillery were "absolutely thrilled" after being named among the winners in the annual Scottish Whisky Awards.
Husband and wife Derek and Kerry Campbell, from Thurso, were presented with the Tourism Destination of the Year accolade at the event in Glasgow on St Andrew's Day.
The distillery at John O'Groats has been operating since September last year. King Charles unveiled a plaque to commemorate its official opening in August.
Mrs Campbell said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to win this award and it’s testament to the hard work of our brilliant team in John O’Groats who provide a warm welcome all year round.
“It was an unexpected win against some very tough competition, so that makes it even more special.
“We love Caithness and hope that this award will encourage more visitors to come to this special part of the world and experience the brilliant food and drink we have on offer from all the amazing businesses across the county.”
The other finalists in the Tourism Destination of the Year category were Johnnie Walker Princes Street (Edinburgh) and Ardnahoe Distillery, Isle of Islay.
8 Doors Distillery is open every day. It has a range of Seven Sons whiskies on sale while it waits for the 8 Doors Distillery single malt to mature, and there is also a Five Ways blended liqueur.
Whisky from 8 Doors is the first to be produced in John O’Groats since 1837.
Mrs Campbell added: “In winter we are open from 10am to 4.30pm and locals can come for coffee and cake by our fire as well as drams or cocktails. Over Christmas we will be open on December 27, 28 and 29 and we will have tours available on those days too.”
The fifth annual Scottish Whisky Awards included a blind tasting of more than 200 whiskies produced by over 60 Scottish distilleries and independent bottlers.
The main award of the night, Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year, went to Lagg Distillery on the Isle of Arran.
Glenmorangie, Tain, was the most successful company in the taste competition, taking eight medals including three golds.
Graeme Dempster, whisky client director for Howden Insurance, which sponsors the awards, said: “Very many congratulations to all the entrants, finalists and winners. The Scottish Whisky Awards is the biggest night of the year in the whisky industry calendar and we are delighted to be part of the well-earned celebrations.”
The Dr Jim Swan Award for Services to Scotch Whisky was presented to Maureen Robinson in recognition of her 40-year career. She retired from Diageo earlier this year.
Speaking after the time of the royal visit in the summer, Mr Campbell explained that the couple had been whisky enthusiasts for 10 years.
"We went on a holiday to the Isle of Harris and visited two distilleries," he said. "One was small and one was large, and we thought maybe there's something we can do here.
"We always wanted to create employment in the area, we like making things and we like whisky, so we combined it all together and that's where the project comes from. We want the business to be rooted in John O'Groats."
