Isle of Raasay Distillery to host grand finale of the Hebridean Whisky Festival 2026

Exclusive festival bottling, behind-the-scenes experiences and island hospitality await at Scotland's most scenic whisky celebration

Fresh from being named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the World Whiskies Awards 2026, Isle of Raasay Distillery will welcome whisky enthusiasts from around the world this September as it hosts the grand finale of the Hebridean Whisky Festival 2026.

Taking place as the culmination of a week-long celebration of Scotland's island distilleries, the finale promises a day of exclusive tastings, behind-the-scenes experiences and island hospitality in one of the country's most spectacular whisky settings.

The Hebridean Whisky Festival, organised by the Hebridean Whisky Trail, runs from 5–12 September 2026 and showcases eight distilleries: North Uist, Tobermory, Benbecula, Torabhaig, Isle of Harris, Isle of Tiree, Talisker and Isle of Raasay, known for its signature lightly peated style of whisky.

Visitors to the finale will have the opportunity to meet the distillery team and take part in a programme of specially curated experiences, including:

• The release of a special festival bottling – The Hebridean Whisky Cask 2026
• Distillery tours and tastings throughout the day
• A Dunnage Warehouse Masterclass hosted by Co-Founder and Master Distiller Alasdair Day and Distillery Operations Manager Ross Gilles, exploring maturation and cask management
• A whisky blending and sample analysis session with Distiller Jane Crosbie and Lead Tour Guide Ellen Mackay
• A one-day-only drinks menu and interactive cocktail experiences at the distillery's events bar
• A panel discussion featuring representatives from all eight festival distilleries

Alongside the whisky programme, visitors can enjoy a range of food offerings throughout the day, including signature dishes from Chef Clare Coghill of Café Cùil, Isle of Skye Ice Cream, and evening wood-fired pizzas from Katherine & Lisa Pizza. Plus, boat excursions around Raasay can be booked in partnership with Raasay House and there will be live music, courtesy of local Hebridean musicians.

Visitors looking to make a weekend of the celebrations can stay on-site at the distillery, which offers luxury accommodation in the Distillery Rooms as well as the recently launched Na Bothain (meaning 'The Bothies' in Gaelic), five private havens with panoramic views across to the Cuillin mountains on Skye - guests can enjoy world-class whisky experiences with a stunning Hebridean island escape.

Alasdair Day, Co-founder and Master Distiller at Isle of Raasay Distillery, comments: "We look forward to hosting this year, alongside our seven neighbouring island distilleries - welcoming guests to share local food, great company, and of course The Draam, our signature single malt balancing a lightly peated character with rich dark fruits. Whether you join us for the day or stay a little longer in our distillery accommodation, we can't wait to show you what makes Raasay so special."

Now entering its fifth year, the Hebridean Whisky Festival is set to be the most ambitious yet, bolstered by significant support from VisitScotland. The festival has become a highlight of Scotland's whisky calendar, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond to experience the distinctive character of the Hebrides and its island distilleries.

Isle of Raasay Distillery is very easy to reach, with a regular CalMac ferry service operating from Sconser on Skye and a crossing time of just 25 minutes. The distillery is located a short walk from the ferry terminal.

Tickets for the Hebridean Whisky Festival Finale at Isle of Raasay Distillery are priced at £10 per person. Capacity is limited, so advance booking is recommended.

Visitors can secure their place and sign up for event updates via the Hebridean Whisky Festival Finale page linked here. Tickets will be sold through the Hebridean Whisky Festival website: www.hebrideanwhisky.com.