OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
At the Islay Rum Company, we believe that sustainability, environmental awareness and responsible resourcing of raw materials runs hand in hand with our vision of creating world-class rum on the Isle of Islay.
Giving new life to a derelict building
Our journey started in 2017 with the renovation of a derelict Old Lemonade Factory in Port Ellen, Islay. We wanted to reveal the elegant structure hidden behind the broken windows, leaking roof and Soviet-era grey walls. Disregarding advice to demolish it and start again, we took a big risk, appointing an unknown young local builder. This project enabled him to start up his own construction business, which is now flourishing. It was a labour of love, as his grandfather had built the original building by hand and ran the soft drinks business in the 1960’s. Thanks to Scott and his company Hastie Construction, we now have a beautifully restored iconic art deco craft distillery, which has just celebrated its 70th birthday and looks set for another 70 years.
