The new multi-million-pound visitor centre at Glenkinchie distillery has been praised by South Scotland MSP Martin Whitfield.

Mr Whitfield paid his first visit to the site since the new experience was formally opened in October last year. The enhanced visitor centre builds on Glenkinchie’s heritage to tell people the story of the Lowland Home of Johnnie Walker in a modern and engaging way,.

The Glenkinchie development is part of Diageo’s £185million investment in four corner distilleries around Scotland that will form a network of whisky visitor experiences linked to the Johnnie Walker Princes Street attraction in Edinburgh, which opened last month.

Speaking after the visit, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“The new visitor experience at Glenkinchie is really very impressive. It has transformed the whole site and taken the experience of visiting the distillery to another level. Whether you are a Scotch Whisky enthusiast, interested in the importance of whisky to Scotland’s economy and culture, or maybe just fascinated by the local history of the site, there really is something for everyone.

“As well as the official tours on offer, the distillery’s café bar and beautiful new garden are also open to the public. This all makes the site feel even more like an inviting and integral part of East Lothian’s economic and cultural landscape. I’m sure that as we begin to welcome back more visitors from overseas, Glenkinchie’s role as a key visitor attraction and vital part of our local food and drink excellence will be enhanced for years to come.”

Ramsay Borthwick, Glenkinchie Distillery Manager, said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome Martin Whitfield MSP to Glenkinchie Distillery and to show him how we’ve transformed the visitor experience. He last visited when our plans were still in development, so it was great to be able to show him the new visitor experience and what our investment has achieved.”