A Historic Building Anchored in the Caithness Landscape
Castletown Mill has stood for over two centuries: built around 1818, a building of thick Caithness stone and historic slate roofs. When Dunnet Bay Distillers acquired it, our vision was clear—to conserve its history and transform it into a beautiful, working distillery and visitor destination.
Key Milestones in the Restoration Journey
- Planning Permission Granted in June 2022, marking the official go-ahead to begin structural, conservation, and visitor-facility plans.
- Enabling Works Started, including restoring the roof trusses, replacing slate in original wings, repairing stonework, and inserting large windows to restore natural light and architectural integrity.
- Washbacks and Equipment Arrive, foundational elements for whisky production. Also restoring the events space, adjusting interiors, installing new steelwork, and preparing visitor access areas.
Conservation with Respect & Detail
We are working carefully with specialists in heritage, stonework, and slate roofing to preserve the Mill’s character:
- Original trusses have been rebuilt using traditional materials and methods, including bespoke oak trusses fixed in place with wooden dowels.
- Roof restoration uses Welsh slate and Caithness stone, returned to original style and craftsmanship, with copper nails and meticulously mortared stonework.
- Windows and Grain Elevators restored or replaced, to let in light, restore form, and maintain architectural features.
Purpose: Whisky, Heritage & People
Our ambition isn’t only to restore a building—it’s to bring Castletown Mill back as a place of flavour, story and community. When complete, the site will be:
- A working craft whisky distillery
- A welcoming visitor centre, café-bistro, and event space
- A place where local heritage is preserved and shared
- A landmark on the North Coast 500, drawing visitors who care about history, culture, and place
How You Can Be Part of the Revival
Sponsor a Roof Tile — support the renewal of the roof and become part of the Mill’s restored fabric.
Sign up for Mill Development News to receive regular updates, photos, and stories from the site.
Visit us when we open — tour the distillery, walk the corridors of restored stone, and taste whisky shaped by Caithness air and history.
Join the 1818 Society
Receive a numbered bottle of our inaugural release, plus early access and exclusive invitations.
The Saga Series
A limited-edition series of ten collectable Scotch Whisky blends raising funds for the revitalisation of Castletown Mill. Each one celebrates our heritage – and helps preserve it.
