Whisky Tours Scotland

10/02/2025

Something that I deem no right; a certain whisky tour company, a fairly new one, set up and built a website . On this they have testimonials from guests. What they forget to mention is the fact those tours were all MCLEANSCOTLAND/WHISKYTOURS tours, with my guests who paid their tours to MCLEAN.

I'm no bothered about competition, there are many out there, but using my guests as their own is a bit much. Lets hope they can get their own tours and won't need my guests in future.

This was spotted a while back, it was also spotted by many of my friends and past guests. Let's just say I'm no smiling about this, thankfully I have many bookings for 2025, and even 2026, let's just get on wi it.

10/02/2025

FREE TO ENTER PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
WIN A WEEKEND IN OBAN 20 – 23 December 2025

Landscape (Amateur) Photograph of the Year. Closes 30 September 2025. Entry free. You’ll need to work hard but winning this competition may be the start of a new career. What are we looking for? Simply take your best shot anywhere in Scotland, mainland or the Isles. We are wanting a standout image we can use in our marketing, the winner will be named online.

All entries must be original, no photoshop, never seen before. Maximum of 3 images per person. Judges decision final. MCLEANSCOTLAND is an award winning tour company, specialising in whisky tours. www.mcleanscotland.com www.whiskytours.scot

Knipoch House 4 Star Hotel. Double Room. Garden view. Cooked Breakfast. Featuring free toiletries, this room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The room features a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, heating as well as garden views. Overlooking Loch Feochan with panoramic views of rugged mountains and tranquil islands, Knipoch House Hotel is just a short drive from Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland and a gateway to the Isles. This historic 4 star hotel dates back hundreds of years, and retains original oak-panelled walls and open fires. There is free Wi-Fi and free parking on site. With a fine selection of wines, local malts and hand crafted gins, and our staff to guide you to the best choice, our cosy wood panelled bar is a haven for relaxation at the end of the evening.

THIS PRIZE IS FOR TWO PERSONS SHARING DOUBLE ROOM. There is no cash equivalent. Prize must be taken on dates shown. The winning image will become the property of MCLEANSCOTLAND and will be used in our marketing worldwide. Send your entry to [email protected] We apologise photos cannot be returned.

With over thirty years-experience and our extensive contacts in the whisky industry, we ensure you enjoy the best of Scottish hospitality, from the moment you

05/02/2025

It's an old one, but just goes to show we are doing things right;

FORBES MAGAZINE
Two Perfect Days on Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail - Valerie Denny

There’s no better antidote to the digital age of chronic busyness, social media noise and the nagging desire for instant gratification than spending a few slow, leisurely days on Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail at the foot of the Grampian Mountains in the heart of Speyside. Instant gratification doesn’t exist in Scotland if you’re a distiller. When the whisky you lovingly crafted may be ageing in a cask until after you retire, you learn to be patient. And as a visitor, meandering down the winding picturesque roads with cattle and sheep grazing on either side, you've but no choice to slow down and enjoy the scenery as a few grouse absentmindedly wander out in front of your car and show no signs of retreating anytime soon.

So you wait, breathe in the fresh (and nippy) Scottish air and make a few jokes about how those grouse will never be famous. And soon enough, it’s on to the next stop on the trail. Known for light, grassy non-peated whiskies, Speyside boasts more than half the malt whisky distilleries in Scotland including the two best-selling single malts in the world, The Glenlivet and Glenfiddich. The Malt Whisky Trail covers eight of them plus the Speyside Cooperage where skilled coopers refit barrels by hand. With just two days to explore the region, we whittled down our tour to four distinctive distilleries - from the oldest and best-selling brand to the most historical facilities to a small family-owned operation with just three distillers. And to further celebrate Scottish craftsmanship, we stopped by the cooperage and a 200-year-old family-owned cashmere mill that produces Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Burberry scarves.

Day One
After a hearty breakfast of perfectly scrambled eggs and smoked Scottish salmon (hold the black pudding, thanks), we set off for the day. Note to anyone planning your own distillery tour, you may want to hire a driver as Scottish roads are quite narrow and winding for drivers used to wide American roads and even more importantly, the legal BAC limit was recently lowered to .01 and it is strictly enforced. I recommend McLean Scotland's custom whisky tours where they will chat to you about your taste and parameters and then create a custom itinerary and make all the necessary transport and accommodation arrangements for your group.

The Glenlivet
Starting off the tour with "the one that started them all", The Glenlivet, the best-selling single malt and first legal malt distillery in Scotland receiving its license in 1824. While many whisky distillers operated illegally smuggling whisky at that time, The Glenlivet was the first to apply for a license. They also trademarked The Glenlivet and managed to cannily snag an endorsement from the King which substantially helped business and helped them become the behemoth they are today.
Strathisla is the oldest continuously operating distillery (since 1786) in Scotland, and the most beautiful. You feel like you're stepping back into time as you walk through the distillery and warehouses. It's also a treat to taste a rare dram of Strathisla since it's mainly used in blends for Chivas Regal.
Speyside Cooperage is the only working cooperage with a visitor center where you can watch skilled laborers practicing the ancient craft of coopering. All the coopers get paid by the barrel so it's a sight to see them fast at work.

Day Two
Glen Moray has one of the most comprehensive and interesting tours which includes getting a chance to smell whisky ageing in all types of barrels -- bourbon, sherry and Madeira wine. We made a pit-stop at Johnston's of Elgin which is a family-owned cashmere mill that's more than 200 years old and weaves fine cashmere scarves for Burberry, Hermes and Louis Vuitton among others. Capping off the tour was the delightful Benromach distillery, a charming family-owned distillery and the smallest in the region with just three distillers operating the process. Purchased by the Urquharts of Gordon & MacPhail, the distillery is passionate about their mission to bring back the popular slightly smoky whisky expressions from 1960's Scotland.

Valerie Denny

04/02/2025

whisky festivals, aye they fill a gap and make people happy. Me? I have attended quite a few, but now I give them a miss, too many people in too small a space, trying to dram before their allotted time expires, then move out and let the next lot in. To me you do not get the same attention as a normal tour, my tours are all whisky festivals, but at a slower pace, more time to relax and enjoy the whisky, the surroundings, no get pushed and shoved. It is all planned out well in advance and you know what's coming. If you want YOUR OWN PRIVATE WHISKY FESTIVAL, ask Paul; [email protected] www.whiskytours.scot

04/02/2025

Welcome to the Western Isles of Scotland, aye there happens to be a few whisky distilleries here! Scotland and whisky is not all about Speyside and Islay. Come with us to the Scottish Caribbean. we do whisky tours blended with fantastic scenery 24/7. [email protected]

28/01/2025

Glenglassaugh ; a statement from Brown-Forman spokesperson Elizabeth Conway, the company clarified:

“Glenglassaugh Distillery is not shutting down. We are implementing a shared production model with Benriach, which will involve periods of production alongside occasional silent seasons, as has been the case traditionally. This allows us to optimize resources and expertise across both distilleries.

This shared production model, and our ongoing demand planning process, resulted in a small number of redundancies. We deeply value the contributions of those impacted and are committed to providing support to them throughout this process.

Our commitment to crafting exceptional whiskies remains as strong as ever, and we are grateful for the continued support and enthusiasm of our customers and markets worldwide.”

LAST I WAS THERE, LAST YEAR WITH A GROUP FAE FINLAND, DECENT DRAMS!

27/01/2025

saw something on the tellybox that reminded me of a friend. I know him as the Oysterman. Or KingOyster. Some years back we were on a whisky tour, stopping at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar near Inveraray.

We all went in for refreshment, my pal; who shall remain nameless, but we know him as Mika, while we all bought a sandwich etc, what did he do? A couple of dozen oysters which he downed! Now we had a dilemma, who would sit next to him on the coach? Not me, I was on the front crew seat, well away. No one sat next to him, we didnee wish to be near when he regurgitated these oysters, or worse still, became frisky! We all know oysters reputation, he had had a bucket of them.

Mika, you are a good friend, but too many oysters gives you two seats to yourself! I hope Finland looks after you on the seafood scene, if not, come back! No Taylor Swift this year!

24/01/2025

This is a typical email that arrives here at MCLEANSCOTLAND. This gentleman has been on tour already, and we met in Canada many years back. I get so many past guests - from many years ago - making contact again, it makes what I do worthwhile.

Hi Paul I hope this finds you well. You may remember organizing a Whisky tour for me and my brother in law in April 2013, after I met you at Victoria Whisky Festival when you were over that year. Funnily enough, I am there next week setting up a booth for Davin de Kergommeaux (Canadian Whisky/Distilleries author).
My son and I are planning a Distilleries tour in April after his
last Bar exam here in Vancouver. Sorry there are so many questions, but know you are the supremo knowledge wise on this!!

15/01/2025

tellybox on, watching a film; 47 Ronin, sitting doon with a few pals; Tamnavulin Port Finish
A good end to a hard day. Lots of hotels and distilleries booked, it is going to be a busy year.

15/01/2025

VISITING SCOTLAND THIS YEAR.
Non-Europeans can now apply in advance for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) and will need one to travel to the UK from January 2025.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
An ETA gives you permission to travel to the UK.
Who can apply Whether you can apply depends on:the date you travel
your nationality as shown on your passport Check if you can apply for an ETA.

Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK.

12/01/2025

I'm about to blow my own trumpet, apologies in advance.

Absolutely the best tours ever. The Whisky Association of Finland has been a customer since 2012, getting annual tours (sometimes 2 per year), and we have been thoroughly pleased with the organizers - thanks to McLean Scotland, around 220 of our members have had the opportunity to fulfill their dream of going to Scotland, seeing the sights, and learn about whisky making (not to mention enjoy unique, spectacular flavours of drams and food)!

A humble thanks to McLean Scotland from us here in the North!!! We will be there again!

Mika Jansson

for tours contact; [email protected]

29/12/2024

BEN NEVIS WHISKY; ONLY 100 BOTTLES, I HAVE ONE! To celebrate the 100th anniversary of a Model T driving up Ben Nevis, no less. Came with bottle, box and decanter. Mine is unopened. Any collector interested email [email protected]

21/12/2024

It's a cocktail time of year, so here's my effort. The McLean Cocktail

Take a dram. Take a wee tangerine, a wee tomato and a fiery onion, add a glass and you have the McLean cocktail. Method; arrange as so. To enjoy; remove tangerine, tomato and onion and drink the dram neat. Do what you wish with the tails.

Select any dram, any glass, doll it up so it looks daft, basically, take the p--s out of cocktail land and enjoy the whisky as you are supposed to. My own thoughts, not influenced by anyone else, I don't care really. Enjoy whisky - but don't drink too much. Happy Christmas

15/12/2024

A “crazy” decision to buy a ruined mill and turn it into a destination whisky distillery on the north coast is finally taking shape – 16 years after businessman Martin Murray dismissed the idea as “too complex and too expensive”. Martin, along with his wife and business partner Claire, hosted a topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the two traditional roofs on the 200-year-old mill at Castletown on Wednesday. Alice Calder, who was born in the house attached to the mill, speaks to members of the team in the 1818 wing. Picture: John DavidsonAlice Calder, who was born in the house attached to the mill, speaks to members of the team in the 1818 wing. Picture: John Davidson

The earliest part of the building, which dates from 1818, has fresh Caithness flagstone roof tiles, while a later 19th-century extension is now topped with Welsh slate tiles as it was when it was originally built. The derelict mill had been added to the Buildings at Risk Register in 1991. The grade B listed structure was originally built as a water-powered grain mill by James Traill, pioneer of the Caithness flagstone industry. It was used to produce flour to cater for the growing number of workers at his nearby pavement works.

In November 2020, Dunnet Bay Distillers purchased the mill. But Martin explained that he had been thinking about taking on the ruin, which sits just east of the village of Castletown, for some time.

“I checked an email today and it was 2008 I enquired to buy the mill,” he said. “I signed off an email saying it’s too complex and too expensive, and I don’t think it’ll ever work for us. Fast forward 16 years and we’re nearly there. Castletown Mill and the Stannergill Burn which once ran the watermill. The new whisky will be named after the burn. Picture: John DavidsonCastletown Mill and the Stannergill Burn which once ran the watermill. The new whisky will be named after the burn. Picture: John Davidson
“I think I always had it in my mind, bubbling away, and then trying to find ways to make it work – and then I just had to convince Claire, and that was probably the harder part!”

Claire explained that their gin business began as a way to allow the couple to work at home in Caithness together, but has since grown arms and legs. They only expected it to create two jobs – one for each of them. But she is delighted with the transformation of the historic property. “Right now it’s amazing, just seeing the building,” she said. “You can stand outside and it’s solid and strong again: you pass it and it’s got a roof on it, there’s windows, it feels like a solid structure.” “It’s a big change,” Martin added. “I had to do a presentation recently and compare the mill now to the way it was. When you look back at it, it was an absolutely crazy decision to do what we’ve done! But it’s the right thing to do and I was always so confident that we could do it and that this building could be revitalised.

“You can see it now that it is starting to take shape, but it wasn’t always easy to envisage that. Now, with the roof on and some of the floors in, you can start to see it. That’s a real shot in the arm for us because with all projects, but especially old buildings, there are really hard challenges that exist and we’re through a lot of them.”

One of those hurdles was funding for the £4 million project that is expected to create 12 new full-time jobs when the distillery opens next year.

05/12/2024

The Maclean Brothers
Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean are Charlie Maclean’s sons. Despite spelling their name differently to Paul, they’re family. They are rowing the full Pacific Ocean to raise £1m for charity in 2025.

In 2020, having never rowed seriously before, the boys rowed across the Atlantic to break three World Records. The voyage raised over £200,000 for charity.

The Atlantic opened their eyes to the power of physical challenges with a purpose, inspiring them to form The Maclean Foundation (SC051703) in 2023. This charity is about combining our family’s passions for whisky and adventure to do good. The Maclean Foundation – The Maclean Brothers - is more all encompassing of what we’re doing, i.e. The Maclean Brothers are doing the row to raise money for The Maclean Foundation.
The latest challenge is a world first; no team has rowed the full Pacific Ocean non-stop and completely unsupported. The mission is to raise £1m for clean water projects – Mclean Scotland is proudly supporting this effort. We will be contacting many friends and fellow Maclean's early next year to see how we can ALL help raise funds. https://whiskytours.scot/our-partners/

Can you help? Contact; [email protected] or www.facebook.com/themacleanbrothers

We are three brothers from Scotland who have a passion for adventure.

03/12/2024

THERE IS A SCAM DOING THE ROUNDS; GLENFIDDICH whisky. IF YOU GET AN EMAIL OR FACEBOOK HIT, SAYING YOU CAN GET GLENFIDDICH FOR £2 OR £6 IT'S A SCAM, DINNAE FALL FOR IT

28/11/2024

Maclean's on the loose, get a bottle before they go! I'm over the moon to be working with them on the Maclean Foundation, watch out Australia next year!

Working together on this project with our dad has been so special for us as a family.

Everything we know about whisky, we learned from the best. And with Dad being involved in selecting the cask for our Glen Scotia Whisky release, alongside their Master Distiller Iain McAlister, you know it’s special.

Here’s to you Dad 🥃

And thank you to Glen Scotia, to everyone who’s bought a bottle so far, and to everyone in the Scotch whisky industry who has supported us. You’re all helping to provide clean water to those who need it.

The last few bottles are still available through the link below.

https://rmwlink.co/MacleanFoundationGlenScotia