Mountains, lochs, rivers, waterfalls, stunning scenery, wildlife, distilleries, gin school, specialist whisky bars and stores offering hundreds of single malts and gins.
The Skye & Raasay Whisky Trail has everything.
Originally a one-day Highland Whisky Trail which has, over time, developed into the perfect two-day tour. It is ideal for anyone interested in whisky, landscape photography or wishing to experience the Scottish Highlands.
In 2016, Talisker, Skye’s oldest working distillery had been established for 186 years while Torabhaig Distillery in the south of Island was still under construction. Around this time there were local rumours suggesting a new distillery was to be built in the North of the Island. However, this project did not come into fruition.
After it became apparent that Skye's third distillery was not going to happen, it transpired that a distillery was to be built on the Isle of Raasay, a very short ferry crossing from Skye. The Isle of Raasay Distillery opened in September 2017 and the Skye & Raasay Whisky Trail was born. This was a better outcome, not only do you get the opportunity to sail over the sea to Skye but also the chance to enjoy the stunningly beautiful Isle of Raasay, a definite highlight of the trail.
The first ever Skye & Raasay Whisky Trail was completed on the 8th May 2018. It featured tours around the three distilleries and a visit to the Gaelic Whiskies at Eilean Iarmain. Since then the trail has expanded naturally with the opening of The Misty Bottle a specialist whisky & gin store, the inclusion of Seumas Bar with its impressive selection of over 400 malts and the addition of The Isle of Skye distillers Gin School in Portree.
All 3 of the distilleries are impressive in their own right, are all very different and are all located in stunningly beautiful locations. They all have their own story, their unique character and offer visitors a great experience. The smaller local businesses that have become an integral part of the Skye & Raasay Whisky Trail are also located in stunning environments. They offer visitors unique products and experience along with the opportunity to interact with the friendly Skye locals.
Often visitors find their most memorable events occur in Skye’s whisky bars, specialist whisky stores and Gin School.
The best way to fully enjoy the trail and comply with Scotland’s drink driving laws is to have a designated driver or to hire one of Skye’s specialist distillery tour guides. Always try and include some extra-time to photograph Skye and Raasay’s beautiful scenery.