Port Ellen Distillery: One of the World’s Greatest Places

To be featured in Time magazine’s ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2025 is an incredible endorsement for Port Ellen whisky distillery. 

The iconic Islay distillery reopened last year after four decades of closure following an extensive redevelopment. Original buildings including the distinctive ‘pagodas’ were retained and restored where possible. And a new visitor centre, sitting in the footprint of the old distillery buildings, is joined by a stunning new glass fronted still house.  

Ensuring consistency, with white render and grey roofs, the new and existing buildings sit well together. A beautiful blend of old and new. 

As well as restoring heritage buildings, the historic Kiln courtyard has been reintroduced to the layout. Reflecting the strong connection to the sea, opening this space creates a striking sense of arrival, with an unobstructed distillery view on approach. 

And both the light flooded still room, and the glazed gable-end of the visitor centre offer uninterrupted views out across the bay.

MLA were delighted to have supported our client Diageo on this fantastic project.

Click the link to read the Time magazine feature.