Brora Distillery, a Category B listed building dating back to 1820 and 1896, had been closed since 1983 and was considered one of Scotland’s few ‘ghost’ whisky distilleries until its reopening in 2021. The project utilized a management contracting procurement method, where the management contractor was permitted to bid on tenders. An engineering company served as the Contract Administrator, with the architects acting as sub-consultants.

The design aimed to balance the requirements of a modern distillery with the preservation and enhancement of the original distillery’s character and fabric. This involved a comprehensive and detailed renovation of each space, necessitating close collaboration within the design team to address the project’s challenges effectively.

The Still House was completely reconstructed using salvaged stone, and new additions included a Tun Room, Plant Room, luxurious Visitor Centre, and VIP Blacksmith Suite. The distillery is designed to achieve a maximum production capacity of 800,000 litres per year.