IngentaConnect Excavations at Lochrin Distillery, Edinburgh

Author: Heawood, Richard¹

Source: Industrial Archaeology Review, Volume 31, Number 1, May 2009 , pp. 34-53(20)

Abstract:

Lochrin Distillery was founded by John Haig around 1780, at a time when the scale of Scottish distilleries was increasing dramatically and distilling was, briefly, the most significant industry in the land. Nevertheless, frequent increases in excise duty meant that these were challenging times for distillers, and Lochrin was mothballed and re-opened several times before finally closing in 1848. By the end of the century, the distillery buildings had been swept away.

In 2005, Abercorn Archaeology LLP excavated parts of the former distillery prior to redevelopment, concentrating on the still house. Remains of six still bases considered to derive from three phases of construction were recorded, together with the footings of a worm tub and a large basement structure. The excavations have clarified the evolution of the distillery, confirming that large lowland distilleries of the period were dynamic enterprises, frequently adapted in the light of the challenges facing the industry.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1179/174581909X424763

Affiliations: 1: Project officer for Lancaster University Archaeological Unit, Post-excavation analysis and reporting on 'The Hotties', part of Pilkingtons' Sheet Glass Works in St Helens, Partner in Abercorn Archaeology LLP included evaluation of an 18th- to 19t

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