Whisky attraction gets revamp

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Scotch Whisky Experience, the visitor attraction situated on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, is to undergo a 2 million expansion.

The revamp is likely to include a 1 million overhaul of the existing barrel ride, an indoor audio-guided ride that leads visitors through 300 years of whisky making, with smells and sound effects to demonstrate how Scotland's national drink is made.

The ride forms part of the Whisky Tour, which will also be re-developed to include more interactive exhibits and an expanded audio tour commentary, which will be available in 15 languages.

Other plans incorporate a new vault-style room, which will showcase the largest whisky collection in the world. London-based drinks company Diageo is currently finalising the purchase of the 3,384 bottle collection, owned by Brazilian collector Claive Vidiz. It will include a rare Bells decanter, which was released to celebrate the marriage of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.

Lastly, it has been announced that the first floor will see the addition of a traditional whisky bar and a contemporary whisky cocktail bar to maximise the area's panoramic views across the city.

Construction is expected to begin in October and the attraction is likely to re-open in March 2009.

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