Lochranza Distillery: Arran's Island Distillery in the North
Updated: 7 hours ago
Lochranza is the original Arran distillery, standing at the north end of the island. Its whisky is released under the Arran name, and since 2019 it has had a sister distillery at Lagg in the south.
In this guide
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Lochranza at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Location | Lochranza, northern Isle of Arran, Scotland |
Region | Islands, Scotland |
First spirit | 29 June 1995 |
Founder | Harold Currie |
Owner | Isle of Arran Distillers |
Whisky style | Predominantly unpeated Arran single malt Scotch whisky |
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Quick facts
Location: Lochranza, Isle of Arran
Founded: Arran Distillers Ltd was founded in 1994 by Harold Currie, a former Chivas director. The distillery opened in 1995
Company: Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd, registered in Scotland (SC134963)
Sister distillery: Lagg, in the south of the island, in production since April 2019
How Lochranza began
Harold Currie, a former director of Chivas and a D-Day veteran, set out to build a distillery on Arran. During construction a pair of golden eagles nested on a cliff near the site, and because the species is protected, building was briefly halted. The distillery was funded by private investors and the sale of bonds, and opened in 1995.
Wikipedia notes there were once about fifty distilleries on Arran, most of them illegal "moonlight" operations. Currie sold his shares and left the board in 2003, and the business is now owned by the remaining shareholders. The distillery traded at a loss for many years until 2010.
Milestones
2010: a 15th anniversary bottling at the open day on 3 July, the first official 14 year old, and the first peated Arran single malt, Machrie Moor, from 8 December
2016: the distillery marks its 21st anniversary in June, and plans for a second distillery at Lagg are approved in August
2019: Lagg begins production in April and opens its visitor centre on 1 July
2020: a new blend of whisky from both Arran distilleries is announced in May
How Arran describes its approach
The official site says the water starts as rainwater at Loch na Davie in the hills above the distillery and runs down the Easan Biorach burn through six waterfalls. Barley arrives from mainland maltsters as whole grains and is milled at Lochranza. The distillery states that it never adds caramel and never chill filters its whiskies.
Other facts
The distillery offers a cask purchase scheme for private individuals. It is a patron of the World Robert Burns Federation and is described as the only distillery able to use the image and signature of Robert Burns on its packaging.
Lochranza whisky bottle range and cask comparison
Lochranza and Lagg are separate distilleries; do not attribute peated Lagg releases to Lochranza.
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation and context |
|---|---|---|---|
Arran 10 Year Old | 10 years | 46% | Signature 10-year-old Lochranza single malt |
Arran Barrel Reserve | Not age-stated / edition varies | 43% | American oak-led non-age-statement whisky |
Arran Quarter Cask The Bothy | Not age-stated / edition varies | Check bottle | Second maturation in smaller quarter casks |
Arran Sherry Cask The Bodega | Not age-stated / edition varies | 55.8% | Sherry cask maturation |
Lochranza Blended Scotch Whisky | Not age-stated / edition varies | Check bottle | Blend containing Arran single malt, not itself a single malt |
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Frequently asked questions about Lochranza
Where is Lochranza Distillery?
In the village of Lochranza on the northern end of Scotland's Isle of Arran.
When did whisky production begin at Lochranza?
The first new-make spirit ran on 29 June 1995, and the distillery formally opened that August.
Who founded Lochranza Distillery?
Harold Currie, a former Chivas director, founded the project that returned legal distilling to Arran.
Are Arran and Lagg the same distillery?
No. Arran single malt is produced at Lochranza, while sister distillery Lagg in the south makes a heavily peated style.
Can you tour Lochranza Distillery?
Yes. The distillery welcomes visitors; check current tours, times and bookings on its official website before travelling.
Sources and photographic credits
Information reviewed on 22 October 2026. Bottle strengths and visitor arrangements can differ by release, market and date; check producer information before travelling or buying.
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About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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