Ian Macleod Distillers has officially commenced production at Laggan Bay Distillery, marking the opening of Islay’s 11th single malt distillery and a new long-term investment on the island.
Located in Glenegedale, near Islay Airport and overlooking Laggan Bay, the distillery sits between Bowmore and Port Ellen. The site has been designed with a planned capacity of one million litres of alcohol per year, focusing on producing a heavily peated single malt shaped by coastal conditions.
Production began on 2 April 2026, when the first cask was filled by Leonard Russell, alongside Tom Russell and Distillery Manager Malcolm Rennie. The moment marks the starting point for the distillery’s long-term maturation programme.
Rennie, an Islay native with experience at Bruichladdich, Ardbeg and Kilchoman, leads a local team focused on developing a distinct house style, aiming to complement rather than replicate existing Islay profiles.
The opening reflects continued growth across Islay’s whisky sector, following developments such as Ardnahoe Distillery and the revival of Port Ellen Distillery, with further expansion projects ongoing.
Sustainability has been integrated into the distillery’s design, including wetland systems for waste management and plans to explore renewable energy partnerships, alongside a focus on local employment and investment.
Laggan Bay will also take part in Fèis Ìle, opening to visitors on 31 May 2026, offering an early opportunity to experience the site and its production approach.
Leonard Russell stated that the project is built on a long-term vision, with the aim of creating a whisky shaped by location, people and early production decisions, while Malcolm Rennie highlighted the opportunity to develop a new Islay single malt with a strong sense of place.
