History of the whisky distilleries in the area

On the shores of the Dornoch Firth lies Balblair Distillery, one of the oldest in Scotland. Across the Firth in Creich, Baddaroch Distillery was founded in 1823 operating for only a decade. They had to face competition from an astonishing number of illegal distilleries, particularly in Strathoykel and Strathcarron, always trying to outwit the Inland Revenue officers stationed in Bonar Bridge.

By Silvia Muras


The first taxes on whisky, then called “aquavitae” (in Gaelic uisge beatha, ‘water of life’) were introduced in 1644 and led to an increase in illicit whisky distilling across Scotland. Smuggling became standard practice and, with the Act of Union, taxes climbed even higher. It is estimated that in the 1820s more than half of all the whisky consumed in Scotland had no tax paid on it. 


The Old Statistical Account (OSA) of 1792 tells that in Kincardine there was an “abundance of whisky [...] There are 4 stills in this parish, and more are in contemplation. The retailing houses are upwards of 30.” In the following year’s OSA it is said of the parish of Creich that “whisky drinking is rather too common” as they are “in the neighbourhood of several distilleries”. 


Balblair Distillery


Balblair Distillery was one of the first ‘licensed’ Scotch whisky distilleries and the 4th oldest in Scotland, demonstrating sales dating back to 1800. 
It was established in 1790 by John Ross.

His sons and grandsons operated the distillery until 1894, when it was bought by Alexander Cowan, who transformed the place building offices, a still house, mash house, kiln and barns, and moved the distillery half a mile north to its current location, to take advantage of the Edderton Railway Station. In 1911, tough economic times made Balblair cease production. The Norwegian army occupied the buildings for the duration of the Second World War. In 1948 Robert James “Bertie” Cumming purchased the distillery and production resumed. In 1949 Balblair was producing 80,000 to 100,000 gallons. Mr Benzie, owner of the Dunroamin Hotel, was the first licence holder to sample the make (Aberdeen Press & Journal, 14/09/1949). In 1970 it was purchased by Hiram Walker, and in 1996 by its current owner Inver House Distillers, who developed Balblair into one of the more respected brands in the local market and abroad.