South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has praised Moffat’s latest visitor attraction on a recent visit to the newly opened distillery.

Situated on 17 acres within easy walking distance of the town centre, planning approval for Moffat’s first legal distillery was granted in 2020 and opened its doors to the public in the summer.

In developing the distillery, owners Nick and Erin Bullard, had an eye on sustainability. The distillery’s stills are wood fired, the only such in Scotland with the wood collected from local, sustainable sources.

While it will take a few more years before the distillery’s first whisky is ready, the distillery makes other spirits and cordials as well as a range of unique whisky blends such as the Moffat and Doonhamer blends.

Colin Smyth, who is the Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Scotch Whisky, said: “It was great to visit Moffat Distillery and see for myself the fantastic new visitor attraction Nick and Erin have built in such stunning surroundings.

“The site is a real asset to the town and looks set to become a popular tourist hot spot, while of course also producing excellent spirits.

“With a keen interest in what is Scotland’s biggest export, I have visited many distilleries across the country but it was really interesting to learn more about the wood fired stills which are unique to Moffat.

“You just have to look at the success of other distilleries across the region such as Annandale and Bladnoch to see that there is a real appetite out there for locally produced whisky. Every distillery has a unique story to tell, and product to sell, but all of them help boost the local economy.

“I have no doubt that Moffat Distillery will prove popular with visitors. But I am also sure the local community will get right behind this really exciting development.”