Historic Estate Tipped To Become Scotland’s ‘first True Single-estate’ Whisky Distillery
Aberdeenshire-based liquor producer Inverurie Distillery will open Fetternear Estate to the public this Saturday, coinciding with World Whisky Day, as it unveils plans to transform the historic estate into a whisky distillery. Inverurie Distillery says visitors will be able to tour the historic Fetternear Estate near Kemnay on Saturday 16 May and hear plans for what the company describes as Scotland’s first “true single-estate” whisky distillery. The free open day will take place at the listed granite stables of Fetternear Estate, near Inverurie, where developers hope to create a farm-to-bottle whisky operation. The project aims to restore the former home farm buildings while creating up to 60 jobs in distilling, farming, hospitality and estate management. Founder Jonathan Dunne said the future of the historic site depended on finding a viable long-term use. “When I first saw the building, it was obvious that the only way to save it was to give it a new purpose,” he said. “Fetternear Home Farm is a beautiful listed structure, but it needs a serious commercial reason to be restored. In the heart of barley country, on a working estate with centuries of history, that purpose became clear: the way to save the building is to put a distillery inside it.”
Estate-grown barley
The company says whisky production would take place entirely on the estate, using barley grown on Fetternear and neighbouring land. Plans include on-site malting, distillation, maturation and bottling, alongside renewable energy generation using biomass, solar, hydro and ground-source heat systems. Developers say the integrated estate model would also recycle waste products back into farming operations, with spent grain used as cattle feed and other by-products returned to the land. Gareth Roberts said the wider vision was to secure a sustainable future for the estate. “This is about giving the estate a working future,” he said. “The distillery allows us to restore an important building, create skilled rural employment and build something that can serve this area for generations.” The business is also in discussions with Kemnay Academy about skills training opportunities for pupils, as well as future apprenticeships and return-to-work programmes.A rich history
The recorded history of Fetternear Estate dates back to 640 AD, according to the company, with references to the land appearing in papal records from the 12th Century. Planning permission and listed building consent have already been granted for the conversion of the stables into a craft distillery. Production is expected to begin in early 2027. As part of the wider development, the estate also plans future hospitality and visitor facilities, walking and cycling access, and the planting of biomass timber and oak woodland for future cask production. The open day will begin at midday on Saturday 16 May at Fetternear Stables, near Kemnay. Admission is free.Popular Products
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