Deanston turns 60: a week of celebrations at the Highland distillery

The Deanston Distillery in the Scottish Highlands is turning 60 and marking it with a whole week of celebrations. In 1966 the site was converted from a cotton mill into a whisky distillery, and that unusual history is exactly what makes Deanston appealing to me.

The festivities run from 11 to 17 October 2026. On Wednesday, 14 October, there is a Community Day with free tours and tastings for residents of Deanston, Doune and Callander, former colleagues and local groups. There is also a big open day for everyone; it is worth checking the exact date on the distillery's website beforehand.

The programme includes behind-the-scenes tours, tastings, live music, a Master Distillers' tasting that moves through four eras of the distillery, and tours led by current and former managers. Visitors can also see the old weaving mill where Deanston has been maturing whisky since 1966. Limited-edition anniversary bottlings are on sale too.

There is a special offer for anyone turning 60 in 2026: until 21 March 2027 they can bring one guest along to a free tour or tasting. Tickets are sold through the distillery's website, and some events have limited spaces.

Source: WhiskyExperts