Stannergill Whisky
About the distillery
Stannergill Whisky is an ambitious whisky project in Castletown in Caithness, rooted in the restored Castletown Mill. Here, the industrial heritage from a mill dating back to around 1818 meets a modern distillery, building on the work of Dunnet Bay Distillers. For whisky lovers, it’s especially interesting as a place where a historic landmark once again finds a living purpose.
History
The dream of distilling together in Caithness took shape already during their studies, where Martin studied Chemical & Process Engineering and Claire studied Hospitality & Tourism. Since then, they have worked in sea-based industries and in tourism, but the idea of creating something meaningful in their home area kept pulling at them. That dream first came to life with Dunnet Bay Distillers, and in November 2020 the project took a new step when Castletown Mill was purchased. The old grain mill, built around 1818 and left empty for 32 years, was seen as more than just a building: a place that could be brought back as a distillery and visitor destination. Martin Murray describes the work as rebuilding both brick and heritage. Today, Castletown Mill is envisioned as a place where whisky, history, and local community are brought together—where Stannergill will create something lasting with roots in Caithness.
Raw materials and production
Stannergill is tied to Caithness and to the restored Castletown Mill, which has been converted into a working distillery and guest building. The text describes the project as small-scale and independent, highlighting that it builds on the experience of Dunnet Bay Distillers. Production has not yet been detailed in depth, but the distillery states that the historic mill now houses copper stills and is intended as a place where craft, operations, and hospitality meet. What’s clear is the connection between place and spirit: the building is not just a setting, but an active part of its identity, and the goal is to make whisky with a distinct Caithness base.
Whiskies
The documented whisky range is gathered around The Saga Series, a limited series of ten collectible items within blended Scotch whisky, used to raise funds for the restoration of Castletown Mill. The featured releases are 10-year-old blends, named after people from the area’s history. The range presents itself as a storytelling, collectors-focused project rather than a large core range, and there is also mention of upcoming whisky releases and cask ownership. The specific bottles are presented individually elsewhere, while the overall collection here is a blend universe rooted in history and locally based.
| Whisky | Type / series | Age | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saga 6: The Saga of William Mackenzie 10 Year Old Blended Whisky | Blended whisky; The Saga Series | 10 Year Old | Current; For sale |
| Saga 5: George Calder’s Saga 10 Year Old Blended Whisky | Blended whisky; The Saga Series | 10 Year Old | Current; For sale |
| Saga 4: Benjamin ‘Ben’ Calder’s Saga 10 Year Old Blended Whisky | Blended whisky; The Saga Series | 10 Year Old | Current; For sale |
| Saga 3: Benjamin & Jessie Calder’s Saga 10 Year Old Blended Whisky | Blended whisky; The Saga Series | 10 Year Old | Current; For sale |
| Saga 2: James Traill’s Saga 10 Year Old Blended Whisky | Blended whisky; The Saga Series | 10 Year Old | Current; For sale |
General tasting profile
Visit the distillery
Stannergill is open to visitors. Guided tours and tastings are offered, and the venue also includes a café, restaurant, and a shop. Visits can be booked, and the shop opening hours are listed as Monday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm during the period from 25 May to the end of October 2026. There is also mention of a few closing days for the restaurant and shop due to private events. The distillery is therefore not only a production site, but also a place you can experience on-site, with both tours and service.
The listed opening times are Open Mon-Sun from 25th May to end October 2026. Shop: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm. Dining: Mon-Sun; see restaurant page for details.
See times and book a visit.
Philosophy and craftsmanship
Stannergill works from a clear idea of reviving Castletown Mill as more than just a building. The whisky project should honour Caithness’ traditions, strengthen community, and create something lasting for both locals and visitors. Craft, heritage, and responsible restoration are recurring as the central values, and the project’s development is closely tied to the desire to give the historic mill a new and meaningful function.
Sustainability
The mill has been brought back from deterioration through a respectful restoration of the historic building.
The project describes a sustainable future as part of the revival of the site.
Latest news
Tours begin – 2026-06-09
The distillery says that guests can now be welcomed in full and get a tour with the team at Stannergill Distillery.