Diageo Plans to Demolish Talisker Distillery, But the Locals are Having None of It

Thursday, 18 September 2025 at 07:08

Diageo wants to completely replace the Talisker Distillery on Isle of Skye with a new, larger complex, but not everyone is pleased. The plans have met with considerable resistance from the local population.

FAQ

Where is Talisker Distillery located?
On Scotland's Isle of Skye.

What does Diageo have in store for Talisker?
The drinks giant wants to undertake a massive renovation.

Why has Talisker's expansion been met with resistance?
The renovation would cause disturbances and not create new jobs.

Talisker's plans trigger a debate on Skye

It's well known that whisky can spark a good conversation. However, the current discussion revolving around Talisker Distillery is far from favorable. Diageo, the parent company of Talisker Distillery, wants to renovate or rather replace the distillery.

And it's not going down well with the people on Skye. The plans to demolish the distillery in Carbost, a small village on the island, and build a new distillery are provoking a lively debate.

Double the whisky, but not a single extra job?

Diageo wants to demolish the distillery and replace it with a brand-new, sustainable distillery. The drinks giant emphasizes that modern technology, improved roads, and landscape changes will be introduced.

Furthermore, the distillery will be much larger than the current facility. It sounds like an ambitious plan, but to many locals, it's merely a burden. They view the plan as disproportionate to the village and believe it will cause 'disturbance to the community' if a massive construction site is created for 5 years.

One of the residents even noted that the renovation would lead to increased whisky production, but it wouldn't create a single new job. The distillery is one of the largest employers on Skye, with over 45 employees during peak times.

Supporters of the expansion are also present

Not all residents oppose Diageo's plan. Some people support it and note that this expansion has long been anticipated. Moreover, people consider the unaltered view of the loch as an advantage.

Also, some residents believe that Talisker's expansion could, in the long run, create more jobs. The existing employees, at least, are more secure in their positions due to the construction.

Nothing final yet

The changes Diageo has in mind for Talisker are not final yet. According to Diageo, this is primarily a long-term vision that is being mapped out. In the coming months, the Highland Council will decide whether Diageo's plans will proceed.