We are a short walk away from stunning Torrisdale Bay which is perfect for water sports, wild swimming and wildlife watching. Guests have regularly spotted dolphins, minke whales, seals, otters and a wide variety of sea birds. In the same guide, Bunnahabhain is rated as the Scottish distillery with the best views and Jura, the best for the beautiful boat journey to reach it.

NB claim that no matter the demand for their product they will only ever produce in small batches to ensure their gin is as perfect as they can make it and remains hand-crafted. Having been part of the Brit awards after party for several years, it’s clear that it’s that not only gin lovers taking notice but also music royalty are too. EDINBURGH: EDINBURGH GIN Picture: Edinburgh Gin The pair have focused their gin production on the adage that 75 per cent to 95 per cent of a gin’s flavour profile is based on smell, creating a Zesty Citrus Gin, a Herby & Aromatic one and their Sweety and Nutty Old Tom Gin. ROYAL DEESIDE: ESKER GIN They've recently returned home to St Andrew's and added a ‘Distil Your Own’ experience to their tour offering, inviting visitors to create their own recipe from a selection of botanicals and distil a 70cl bottle of gin to take home. GLASGOW: CROSSBILL GIN

Nothing says you’re on holiday like a boat trip and, with our fantastic ferries, a tour of the island gin distilleries couldn’t be easier. The worldwide interest in single-malt whisky has fuelled new developments and new distilleries are expected to open soon. Whatever your tipple, the choice is abundant, the expertise undisputed and the taste unparalleled. There are many ways to enjoy the heritage and produce of our distilleries. Most offer tours and tasting experiences, and with our regular ferry services, it’s easy to combine distillery visits with a wee island-hopping adventure. The surprise recipient of the first ever Scottish Gin of the Year award (2017), this small batch gin from Dundee beat out contenders from more established producers such as Makar, Eden Mill and Edinburgh Gin to take the top award. Head south to Carradale in Kintyre you’ll find the Beinn an Tuirc Distillers on the beautiful Torrisdale Castle Estate.

Here you can sample the world’s first oyster gin – a savoury gin, ideal to pair with seafood – as well as a wide selection of botanical products. The area is home to fifteen world-class whisky distilleries, plus a handful of award-winning micro-distilleries producing artisan gin and delicious rum. McQueen gin really push the boundaries of what you expect from a Scottish gin with flavours like chocolate mint, mocha and smokey chilli. The distilleries are spread across the island, with Laphroig, Lagavulin and Arberg clustered next to each other on the south coast connected by the linear three distilleries pathway – you’ll get some wonderful coastal views and it’s ideal for clearing the head between tastings.

Named after the indigenous bird that can only be found in the ancient forests of Scotland, Crossbill gin is one of the only gin distilleries to use 100 per cent Scottish juniper and rosehip. The pair use Juniper, Heather, Rosehip, Peppercorn and Citrus alongside Silver Birch Tree sap from trees in the local Kincardine Castle Estate. Esker will be the first Scottish Gin we know of to use Birch Tree sap in its recipe, with the distinctive ingredient giving the new gin a refreshing sweetness; Birch Tree sap is also renowned for its health-boosting properties. Described as “smooth and vibrant” it has a fruity and spicy nose and a deeply pleasing finish. DUNDEE: VERDANT GIN