Rosebank Distillery in Trouble: What is Happening at the Lowlands Whiskymaker?

Thursday, 04 September 2025 at 09:35Falkirk Herald

Rosebank Distillery in the Scottish Lowlands is weathering a storm. The distillery recently reopened, but it has encountered some significant setbacks, leading to lay offs and changes to the whisky maker's schedule. Is the King of the Lowlands in trouble?

FAQ

When did the Rosebank Distillery reopen?
In June 2024.
What exactly is going on at Rosebank Distillery?
They are enduring layoffs due to fewer visitor numbers than expected.
Does this impact the Rosebank whisky releases?
This has not been announced.

Troubles at Rosebank Distillery

Ian Macleod Distillers reopened the iconic Rosebank Distillery in the Lowlands in 2024, after an extensive renovation and construction. There were high expectations for the restart with the distillery pulling out all the stops.

The distillery resumed production, a visitor center was opened and tour guides were hired, a major store filled with Rosebank merchandise for whisky enthusiasts was launched.

A year and a half later, the shine has worn off at Rosebank, panic has set in. They are facing disappointing results in terms of visitor numbers leading to drastic measures.

Layoffs at Rosebank Distillery

Due to the number of visitors falling far short of the expected whisky enthusiasts, the distillery's revenue is also far below expectation.

During a staff meeting this week, it was announced that a number of employees will need to look for other employment. This affects over 20 employees whose contracts last until 1 October and who work as guides or in Rosebank's distillery shop.

The decision was made to secure the company's future despite recent investments in the visitor center and new buildings. Stuart Hendry, Director of Brand Homes at Rosebank Distillery, emphasizes his appreciation for the employees:

‘This in no way lessens their dedication or contribution, which we value. Some of our colleagues will be affected by the proposed changes and this is a sensitive process. We are handling this with the compassion, dignity, and respect they deserve and are fully supporting everyone in this challenging time.’

- Stuart Hendry

Those Rosebank Distillery employees who are losing their jobs have expressed feelings of betrayal.

What is caused the disappointing results at Rosebank?

Whether the distillery was overly optimistic in its visitor number estimates is unclear. However, some blame resides in the disappointing whisky climate of this year. Various distilleries are facing difficulties with some whiskey makers even halting operations.

Are there more measures that will affect Rosebank's whisky?

Whether the measures and layoffs at Rosebank Distillery will affect whisky production has not been announced. It is clear, though, that the distillery's hours of operation will be changing, mostly impacting the visitor center.

While the visitor center of the Scottish distillery will remain open, the operating hours will be shortened and made more flexible. This should help lower costs and safeguard the distillery's long-term activities. This also means fewer employees are needed to conduct tours and keep the shop operational.