Gordon and MacPhail to turn South Street building in Elgin into whisky experience and open High Street shop
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AN HISTORIC building in the centre of Elgin is set to be transformed into a visitor attraction, with the town's high street to get a boost.
Gordon and MacPhail's shop on South Street, originally opened in May 1895, is to undergo a multi-million pound makeover to create a whisky experience.
Meanwhile, the whisky, wine and spirits shop currently located on South Street will be moved to the street-front St Giles' Centre unit which formerly housed Brightworks and JJB Sports.
Stephen Rankin, director of prestige at Gordon and MacPhail, said: “We see this as a major vote of confidence in Elgin.
"We believe the new whisky tourist attraction will bring people into the area and creating experiences is a key element of any strategy to revitalise town centres.
"We also hope the relocation of our retail shop, which will open in the next few months, will give a boost to the High Street.”
Sarah Medcraf, CEO of Moray Chamber of Commerce, added: "It is both exciting and encouraging to see such a significant investment from one of Moray's valued family businesses.
"The whisky experience will support our growing tourism economy but it also enhances the strong roots that Gordon and MacPhail have had in Elgin Town Centre for decades.
"This is a really special project and I am looking forward to see it progress.”
The shop on South Street will close its doors on Hogmanay to give the staff time to move the stock before work starts in the second week in January.
Work will take place throughout 2023 and involve improvements and repairs to the exterior of the building. Internally there will be a complete refit of the ground and first floors.
When finished, the whisky experience will incorporate displays, tasting rooms and a liquid library of some of the world's rarest whiskies.
If successful, the store on Elgin High Street will remain once the whisky experience, which will also contain a smaller shop, opens its doors.
Mr Rankin added: "We have been here since 1895 and South Street is, and will remain, the spiritual home of Gordon and MacPhail.
"It’s a destination for many whisky aficionados from around the world. Our ability to adapt in changing times over more than a century has been a major factor in our success as a company.
"This substantial investment is another exciting step on our journey from a local grocer’s shop to internationally renowned whisky experts and distillers."
The click and collect service and online offering, which proved popular during lockdown, will continue so customers will still be able to buy whiskies, wines and spirits from Gordon and MacPhail.
All the existing staff will be retained while the building on South Street is closed.
