Bunnahabhain Visitor Centre

As part of a five-year refurbishment programme for CVH Spirits, the Bunnahabhain Distillery on the Isle of Islay required a transformation to enhance its production efficiency, logistics, and visitor experience. The challenge was to modernise the site while respecting its heritage and maintaining the character of the remote coastal location. The project involved clearing existing structures to make way for a new visitor centre, incorporating salvaged materials to align with the client’s sustainability goals.

G&T provided Cost Management services to ensure the transformation remained on budget while meeting the client’s vision for sustainability and high-quality design. The demolition of several warehouses allowed for a carefully planned redevelopment, including a 145m² visitor centre with a café, retail space, conference facilities, and improved car parking. Salvaged washback timber was repurposed for the new bar, while slate was used for external cladding, integrating historic elements into the contemporary design. Our strategic oversight ensured that cost efficiencies were maximised without compromising the visitor experience or the distillery’s operational needs.

Opened in 2020, the new visitor centre offers an enhanced whisky-tasting experience, providing VIP sessions with uninterrupted views across Bunnahabhain Bay. The redevelopment successfully balances modern functionality with the site’s rich history, creating a destination that strengthens the distillery’s global reputation. Through careful cost management and sustainable material reuse, G&T helped deliver a flagship project that enhances both the brand’s legacy and the local environment.