Big TIME mention for Speyside attraction
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A MORAY distillery visitor centre has made it on to influential American magazine TIME's list of "The World’s Greatest Places 2019".
The Macallan Distillery is one of only three UK locations selected for the list in the news magazine – one of the most respected and informative guides to world events and known for its iconic cover images.
The V&A Dundee design museum and the University Arms Cambridge are the only other UK places selected for the list of 100 global destinations "to see right now".
Opened in 2018, The Macallan in Speyside is the first distillery developed by internationally renowned architects, Rogers, Stirk, Harbour + Partners and has received a number of accolades for its innovative design.
The centre is a fusion of bold architecture and whisky heritage. The building’s undulating roof echoes the rolling hills in which it is nestled.
The Macallan has helped Speyside to further capture the global interest in whisky – a sector worth £3.3 billion to the UK economy.
Scottish Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "This is a fantastic achievement for both the V&A Dundee and The Macallan Distillery. Both attractions represent the very best of Scotland’s tourism experience.
"Whisky tourism continues to grow and last year visitor numbers to distilleries hit two million for the first time ever. The Macallan Distillery is an architectural wonder and in its innovative telling of the story of whisky is helping to lead whisky tourism."
Laurie Piper, operations manager at Moray Speyside Tourism, said: "News that the new Macallan Distillery has reached TIME Magazine’s 2019 World’s Greatest Places list is no surprise to us here in Moray Speyside.
"We’ve seen the effect it’s already had on tourism in the area, and as the true home of malt whisky, it can only be a good thing for the region’s tourism industry that such a fantastic, inspirational and innovative building at the heart of Speyside is recognised at worldwide level."
Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland chief executive, said: "I don’t think anyone could go to either location and not stand back in awe at these amazing feats of architecture, bringing their surroundings to life, as well as be drawn in to the experiences they offer visitors.
"Both attractions have been ground-breaking for their respective city and region. They have forged reputations for innovation, creativity, learning, community engagement and unforgettable experiences, helping to elevate the unique characters of both Dundee and Moray Speyside, and of Scotland, and put them in the map as must-see places to visit."
