The Borders Distillery

The Borders Distillery in Hawick is the first working distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837. It began producing whisky in March 2018 and opened to the public in May 2018.

The brief was to achieve a first class design to house a new distillery, visitor centre and offices. The client’s aim was also to make a significant contribution to reverse the industrial decline in this part of Scotland, provide a sensitive renovation of a Listed Building which was on the Buildings at Risk Register and provide local employment. The distillery is housed in the original Urban Electric Company building. In 2015 it was in a poor state of repair with extensive dry rot and areas of collapse. The industrial stone sheds with large open spaces and roof lights provide natural light the full length of the building and have proved ideal for the Still House and Mash House. The more domestic scale building fronting Commercial Road is the new headquarters for the Borders Distillery and Visitor Centre. 

The workmanship on this project is excellent. The distillery is a vibrant addition to the centre of Hawick and has been well received within the community.