The Borders Distillery

The Borders Distillery is located in Hawick in the Scottish Borders and represents the region’s modern whisky revival, being the first distillery built in the area since the 19th century. It produces whisky, gin, and vodka in a contemporary urban distilling setting designed for accessibility and transparency.

The Borders Distillery®, the first Scotch Whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837, was commissioned in March of 2018. This new distillery is dedicated to making great whisky and to capturing the spirit of the Borders.

About The Borders Distillery

Opened in 2018, The Borders Distillery was commissioned to re-establish whisky production in the Scottish Borders after a gap of over 180 years. It is a modern facility built within Hawick, a town known for its textile heritage and craft industries.

The distillery produces a range of spirits and focuses on efficient modern production techniques while maintaining traditional Scotch whisky principles.

The Borders Distillery Tours & Experiences

See whisky production in action and gain an insight into a working commercial distillery. Please note tours run seasonally, so please check directly with the distillery before booking a tour.

Distillery Tour £20

Join a scheduled tour to see how the distillery makes its Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Gin and Vodka.

You will be taken through the mashing, fermentation and distillation halls, and learn about the design and operation of the distillery. This guided tour takes approximately 45 minutes, finishing with a dram in the gallery.

Duration: 45mins

Plan Your Visit to The Borders Distillery

Address:

The Borders Distillery, Commercial Road, Hawick TD9 7AQ

Tour:

This distillery is included as part of our Dumfries, Galloway & The Borders Tour.

Directions:

Hawick is the home of Cashmere, Tweed and Borders Whisky, and our distillery sits right in the heart of an untouched region of Scotland. Access from the A7 from the north and south and the A68 from the east.
The X95 and 95 bus services run from Edinburgh to Carlisle. The Borders Railway is now open, running from Edinburgh to Tweedbank; for Hawick, alight at Galashiels and take the X95 or 95 bus. Alternatively, local taxi services are available.

Opening Times:

Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm (Please note the distillery operates with seasonal timings, and you can see the most up to date opening times on The Borders Distillery website.

Facilities:

Visitor centre and shop
Guided tours and tastings
Parking available
Accessible visitor areas

Podcast

We interviewed John Fordyce, Co-Owner of The Borders Distillery, in our July 2020 podcast.

John tells us why he chose Hawick for the site of the distillery, why both the refurbished building and their focus on sustainability are so important to them, and why he thinks the industry should market blends with the same energy they market single malts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What experiences are available at The Borders Distillery?

The Borders Distillery offers guided distillery tours that explore the production of whisky, gin and vodka in the heart of Hawick. Visitors can discover how spirits are made from grain to glass, learn about the distillery’s modern production methods, and enjoy a guided tasting at the end of the tour.

How long does a The Borders Distillery tour take?

Most tours at The Borders Distillery last around 45 minutes, followed by a short tasting session. Experiences are designed to be compact but informative, making them ideal for visitors exploring the Scottish Borders region.

Is whisky tasting included at The Borders Distillery?

Yes, whisky tasting is included in The Borders Distillery tours. Guests can enjoy a dram at the end of the experience, with additional tasting options sometimes available depending on the tour format.

Do I need to book The Borders Distillery tours in advance?

Advance booking is recommended for The Borders Distillery tours, as spaces are limited. Walk-ins may be accepted subject to availability, but booking ahead is advised to secure a preferred time.

What are the opening hours of The Borders Distillery Visitor Centre?

The Borders Distillery Visitor Centre is generally open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4:30pm. Tour times typically run at set intervals throughout the day, and opening hours may vary seasonally.

Is The Borders Distillery family friendly?

The Borders Distillery is family friendly in visitor centre areas such as the shop and reception. However, distillery tours and tastings are intended for adult visitors, with children welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Is The Borders Distillery accessible?

The Borders Distillery offers full accessibility across its visitor centre and tour route, making it one of the more accessible distillery experiences in Scotland. Visitors with specific requirements are encouraged to contact the distillery in advance.

Is parking available at The Borders Distillery?

Car parking is available at The Borders Distillery, and there is designated spaces for blue-badge holders. The Borders Distillery cannot accommodate coaches, so we ask larger groups to please use Hawick’s public parking in the Common Haugh. It is signposted from the A7 and is only a few minutes from the distillery.

Does The Borders Distillery have a café or shop?

The Borders Distillery has a visitor shop offering whisky, gin, vodka and distillery merchandise, with products available to purchase after tours. Light refreshments may also be available depending on the visit.

Where is The Borders Distillery located?

The Borders Distillery is located in Hawick in the Scottish Borders, set within a restored historic building in the heart of the town.

Is The Borders Distillery dog friendly?

No, The Borders Distillery does not allow dogs.