Isle of Cumbrae Distillers

With some previous experience of renovating spaces, it was co-founder Juli who took on the task of re-fitting the Isle of Cumbrae Distillers with the help of Stephen of Millport General Maintenance. Upon discovering 1830’s stone walls, they decided their goal was to showcase as much of this character as possible. In search of complimentary storage and decor, this is when they knew Glasgow Wood could help.

Previously a card and gift shop, the site of the now Isle of Cumbrae Distillery had laid derelict for a number of years before it’s five new co-founders came along. Originally from a diverse range of backgrounds, they shared a few things in common: a love of gin and putting the Isle of Cumbrae on the map.

See below for the full project.

Telling us more about the renovation, Juli said:

“When we started the work, the walls were completely covered in mirrors. It wasn’t upon removing them that we found the original circa 1830s stone wall and fireplace. Whilst reviving the stone walls, Stephen and I agreed that reclaimed wood would help to enhance the warm and rustic vibe that we wanted to create for the space.

Having re-secured the chimney and fitted a wood-burning stove, this really helped to make the shop feel cosy. The combination of the old stone, the reclaimed scaffold board cladding and the fireplace all makes for a really warm space.”

“We’re so pleased with the cladding and the display units. Designed to showcase the wide range of artisan gins the distillery produces, we love that all the unique markings and colourings of the scaffold boards compliment the variations in the artworks and the flavours in the gins themselves. It’s a detail which we could never have achieved with brand new wood.”

The stock area also features the same cladding and shelving to ensure consistency with the public facing areas. With a 100-litre traditional Portuguese Alembic copper pot still and tasting area in the back, it was important all corners of the premises shared the same aesthetic.

In their 7 years, The Isle of Cumbrae Distillers have sucessfully expanded their range beyond gin to include whisky and vodka.

Head to their website to view the range or see about making a visit yourself.

If you’re interested in learning more about the distillery, there’s also lots of further reading available:

Women of Gin, the Gin Co-operative
Gin maker profile: the Isle of Cumbrae Distillery, the Gin Co-operative
Nostalgin launched after successful Crowdfunding campaign, the Scotsman