Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Ben Nevis Distillery, Fort William, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on Ben Nevis Distillery near Fort William  on the West of Scotland and as such sits in the ‘Highlands’ region for whisky classification purposes.

This distillery has a history dating back to 1825 when is was founded by one ‘Long John’ Macdonald. Key facts:

• Four large stills produce 2000 litres of spirit per annum.
• Most of the output goes for blending. Produces own blend  ’Dew of Ben Nevis’.
• Single malt is a medium peated  10 year old. Well regarded but not aggressively marketed.
• Uses water from the Allt a Mhuillin Burn (Mill Burn) which is sourced from two lochans 3000 feet up Ben Nevis which is Britain’s tallest mountain.
• Owned by Nikka Distilling Company

Inside Ben Nevis Distillery, Fort William, Scotland

Whisky Stills, Ben Nevis Distillery, Scotland

Distillery tours are available to the public. Good value.

Street Scene, Fort William, Scotland

 This evening, I am posting information on Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. The name is derived from a British military fort originating in the 17th and 18th centuries which was built to control the Highlands. Specifically, it is named after King William (1650-1702).

Fort William has a reputation as a centre for outdoor activities including hiking, climbing, skiing and mountain biking. It is a good base for touring the area and provides access to Glenfinnan and Skye, Glencoe, Glen Nevis  the Great Glen to Loch Ness , the Caledonian Canal and the ‘Harry Potter’  train. Close by is Ben Nevis, Scotland’s tallest mountain (4406ft.) which is accessible to most able bodied persons.

In the immediate vicinity can be found Inverlochy Castle, Loch Linnhe, Ben Nevis Distillery and Glen Nevis. There is also Aonoch Mor  chair lift which provides a 15 min trip up into the mountains with the reward of stunning views.

Here is Inverlochy Castle.

Inverlochy Castle, Fort William, Scotland

 Here is Ben Nevis Distillery. Tours are available.

Ben Nevis Distillery, Fort William, Scotland

 Here is a view of the Nevis range of mountains which include Ben Nevis

Nevis Range, Fort William, Scotland

Fort William invariably features in my tours of the Western Highlands.

Inverlochy Castle, Fort William, Scotland

 Inverlochy Castle  is a substantial and impressive ruin located on the south bank of the River Orchy, near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Built by the Red Comyn, John, as Lord of Lochaber to guard the southern end of the Great Glen, it was one of the earliest stone castles in Scotland and dates from around 1275. Unfortunately, the Comyns lost a power battle, fell out of favour in 1306 and lost the castle. Other important facts:

• Granted to George Gordon in 1505.
• Witnessed two battles, in 1431 and 1645.
• Built in form of a square with round towers on each corner. The largest tower is known as the Comyn Tower and was the castle keep.

Inverlochy Castle, Fort William, Scotland

Entry is free and the site is definitely worth a visit when in the Fort William area.