Which Scottish distillery claims to be the oldest working whisky distillery in Scotland?

Glenturret Distillery claims to be the oldest working whisky distillery in Scotland. It is located near Crieff in Perthshire and traces documented distilling activity at the site to 1775.

The site has a long history of illicit and licensed distilling. Records refer to illegal distilling in the surrounding area before the modern licensed operation was established. Glenturret’s claim is therefore based on its documented continuity and early records, rather than on an undisputed single date accepted by every historical source.

The distillery was formerly associated with Famous Grouse blended Scotch. In 2019, Lalique acquired a controlling interest, and the site developed a stronger luxury single-malt identity alongside its historical role.

Claims about Scotland’s oldest distillery can vary because distilling sites changed names, ownership, licences, and operating status over time. Glenturret’s 1775 claim is the standard description attached to the distillery, while other historic distilleries cite different definitions of “oldest.”