Visiting The Borders Distillery in Hawick: A Whisky Experience in the Heart of the Scottish Borders

Recently, William, wee Hector and myself spent a wonderful morning at the fantastic Borders Distillery, located centrally in the lovely Borders town of Hawick. Set within a beautifully restored heritage building, a former electrical works, which has been a prominent landmark in the town since 1903, the distillery is a perfect blend of Borders history and modern craft.

From the moment you arrive, you can see why the distillery has won awards for its remarkable building conversion. The Mash and Still Houses sit below bright, airy glass roofs and the design of the guest entrance, shop and tasting rooms are contemporary with beautiful wooden finishes throughout.

Founded in 2013 by a group of friends, all veterans of the Scotch whisky industry, who saw that there was a gap in the market with there being no distillery in the Scottish Borders. By 2018, spirit flowed again for the first time in the region since 1837.

We could tell when we first arrived that everyone is so enthusiastic for their work at the distillery. We were shown round by the lovely Catherine, a distiller herself, who's pride in sharing the Borders Distillery with visitors is infectious.

The distillery works directly with local Scottish Borders farms and Simpsons Malt to grow their barley, and the by-products from distilling go back to these farms to generate energy and nutrients in a sustainable way.

With a range of whisky, gin and vodka (with evocative names such as 'Right as Rain' 'Puffing Billy' and 'Clan Fraser') they have a tipple for every preference. Their tasting rooms, filled with lovely heritage photographs of the building's past are a joy to spend time in, and its highly likely you wouldn't leave the gift shop without a few gifts to take home.

Make Hawick Part of Your Borders Journey

If you’re visiting the Scottish Borders, the distillery is a fantastic place to explore and Hawick itself has so much to offer. Known for its rugby heritage, world‑renowned cashmere mills and as the birthplace of tweed, the town is rich in history and craftsmanship.

You’ll also find excellent cafés, restaurants and independent shops, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Teviot Valley.

Visit the Scottish Borders with Drummond Scottish Tours

We’re delighted to offer special entry prices for guests touring with us who visit the Borders Distillery.

If you’d like to include Hawick and the distillery in your itinerary, just get in touch, we’d be delighted to create a bespoke tour of the remarkable region we call home with you.