Overview: Kim Cameron’s Gin Bothy has initiated whisky production in Glen Prosen, Angus, marking the first distillation there since the smugglers’ trade ceased. Alongside this development, independent producers like Ogilvy Spirits and Arbikie Highland Estate continue to operate within the region while large multinationals control significant industry capacity.
The Full Story
Scotland’s global reputation as a nation of iconic distilleries has grown from solid foundations and proud traditions, yet many “big names” are now owned by large multinationals headquartered away from the communities where the stills work their slow magic. Diageo, headquartered in London, operates 28 malt distilleries and 110 Scotch Whisky labels, accounting for nearly one-third of the industry’s total capacity. Chivas Brothers is the Scotch Whisky arm of the French giant Pernod Ricard, while John Dewar and Sons is owned by Bacardi, based in Bermuda. Hard times and changing trends saw many distilleries close during the 1970s and 80s, leading to a period where it looked like the tradition of distilling across Scotland might be swallowed under the weight of a corporate machine.
However, independent Scottish spirit continues to make its mark within specific corners of Angus. Ruth Watson, founder of the ‘KeepScotland the Brand’ campaign, notes that there is something about the independent Scottish spirit which keeps coming back. Three distinctly different independent distilleries now sit within her corner of Angus: The Gin Bothy, Ogilvy Spirits, and Arbikie Highland Estate. As well as its famous range of gins, the Gin Bothy has begun production of the first whisky to be distilled in Glen Prosen since the smugglers’ peaty trade along the Cateran Trail was stopped. Founder Kim Cameron works hard to source local for the ever-growing range of award-winning products created in her kitchens.
Production & Profile
The new Gin Bothy distillery and cafe is set in a stunning neuk of Glen Prosen, where gin production will move alongside the new whisky distillery. Plans include bringing Scotch Whisky to market, followed by 10 and 12-year-old Highland single malts. These casks will continue to age in the most amazing glen with recorded stories of all the illicit distilling and smuggling that happened across the glens over the past 300 years.
At Hatton of Ogilvy Farm, the family is now in their fourth generation. They created Scotland’s first potato vodka, which is nurtured, distilled, bottled, and bonded on one Scottish farm. Each bottle is marked with the number of the field the tatties came from. Trials showed the Maris Piper was the best variety for making vodka, an ideal use for “wonky” tatties.
Arbikie Highland Estate is farmed by the Stirling family for four centuries, with outstanding views across the red sands of Lunan Bay and the endless sea beyond. They grow the ingredients in the fields around the distillery, providing “field to glass” experiences. The estate develops climate-positive spirits using Scottish universities to develop their products.
Brand & Industry History
Large multinationals own many “big names,” with Diageo operating 28 malt distilleries and 110 Scotch Whisky labels. Pernod Ricard owns Chivas Brothers, and Bacardi owns John Dewar and Sons. The Stirling family has farmed Arbikie for four centuries, passing it on to the next generation. Graeme Jarron at Ogilvy approached Heriot-Watt University to develop their products when the price of potatoes began to fall. Kim Cameron was brought up in the neighbouring glen and always knew she wanted to bring the Gin Bothy back to its cultural home.
What This Means
Sales are down across the sector, yet Ogilvy Vodka stands out due to the authenticity of their product with very loyal customers. The bigger producers can support the supply chain below them and benefit from economies above them, supporting a circular economy keeping smaller independent businesses together. Negotiating directly with farmers or processors ensures 100% Scottish raspberries for Gin Bothy products.
Consumer Takeaway
This release offers drinkers access to spirits with clear local provenance and specific aging plans. The Gin Bothy whisky will age in Glen Prosen, Ogilvy vodka is marked with the field number of its potato source, and Arbikie provides “field to glass” experiences. These independent producers remain grounded, part of a community, and connected to a timeless thread which runs through Scotland’s story.
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