The 5th October marks a year since Lindores Abbey Distillery threw open its doors for the first time, having brought distillation back to the spiritual home of Scotch whisky after more than 500 years. 

In just a year, Lindores Abbey Distillery has achieved some remarkable feats including:

• Receiving 5-star visitor centre status from Visit Scotland
  

• Being selected as a finalist in Rural Business of the Year awards (winner to be announced in October)
  

• Securing exclusive distribution deals with Gordon & MacPhail and La Maison du Whisky
  

• Building its own labyrinth in the Abbey ruins
  

• Bottling its first Aqua Vitae, a tribute to the very origins of Scotch whisky
  

• Becoming the largest employer in Newburgh and the surrounding area
  

• Leading more than 2,000 distillery tours
  

• Hosting sold-out events, celebrity weddings and community get-togethers
  

On Friday 5 October, the distillery will host its birthday celebrations with a BBQ, music, cocktail masterclasses and, of course, cake.

Drew McKenzie Smith, the MD and founder of Lindores Abbey Distillery, commented: ‘To say that this year has flown is an understatement. The past twenty-five years of my life have been dedicated to getting this project off the ground, and to be able to stand in the still house overlooking the ruins now is simply a dream come true. With the help of our outstanding team, loyal visitors and enthusiastic supporters, we have achieved so much in just 12 months. We are looking forward to raising a glass of Aqua Vitae to the future on Friday