The transformation of the historic 19th-century Castletown Mill into a world-class whisky distillery reached a new milestone this week (14 April), with the arrival of its copper stills – a key moment in the ongoing revival of this iconic Caithness landmark.

The carefully renovated mill building, just outside Castletown and near the Castle of Mey, is being repurposed into a whisky distillery by Dunnet Bay Distillers with the expert guidance of Organic Architects, who specialise in restoring historic buildings for modern food and drink production. King Charles has previously expressed a desire for the mill’s preservation.

To mark the occasion, the Caithness Youth Pipe Band performed live as the stills were arriving. In return for their efforts, the distillery supported the band’s fundraising for their upcoming trip to the Tartan Parade in Edinburgh, providing a donation and Easter eggs for the young pipers.

The new copper pot stills sit in the main building, in front of large windows offering a view out to the sea. Their installation is one of the final steps before the internal fit-out begins ahead of the distillery’s opening, planned for this summer.

Andrea Wise, Founder & Director of Organic Architects, said: “The arrival of the stills at Castletown is a defining moment in the project. It marks the transition from restoration to production – from preserving the past to creating the future. Through sensitive design and close collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland and Highland Council, the team is making sure that the building will serve as a local landmark for generations to come.”

Since construction began in April 2023, the project has brought new energy to the Caithness coast. As the project moves into its next phase, the distillery is already creating new opportunities for local employment, tourism, and enterprise – positioning Castletown as a hub for both the whisky industry and the wider community.

Claire Murray of Dunnet Bay Distillers added: “Seeing the stills arrive is an exciting moment – these stills aren’t just equipment, they symbolise the rebirth of Castletown Mill. With the help of Organic Architects, we’ve transformed this space from a forgotten ruin into a place full of potential – not only for producing exceptional whisky, but for supporting the local community and welcoming visitors from around the world.”

The new Castletown Distillery will produce Stannergill Whisky, a single malt already generating excitement through its pre-release bottlings that celebrate the spirit of Caithness. A visitor centre, bistro, and shop are also planned for the site, which is set to become a key stop on the North Coast 500 and a new chapter in the Highland whisky trail.

Organic Architects, based in Scotland, are renowned for transforming historic spaces into sustainable, functional landmarks for the food and drink industry. Their portfolio includes some of the UK’s most admired craft distilleries, blending heritage conservation with innovative, community-focused design.