Torrisdale Estate is a peaceful haven on the stunning Kintyre peninsula owned by fourth generation laird, Niall Macalister Hall and wife Emma, who have spent over a decade building on the existing self-catering business to make the estate a unique tourist destination. In 2015 the installation of a 99kw hydroelectric scheme became the catalyst for a sustainable gin distillery at Torrisdale. Beinn a Tuirc Distillers Ltd produce Kintyre Gin and other award-winning spirits and now boasts a beautiful café, shop, gin school and geodesic dome that hosts wellness retreats, promoting ‘slow tourism’ and keeping sustainability at the heart of the estate.
Niall and Emma have created something very special at Torrisdale Estate where visitors and holiday guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the estate and enjoy all the distillery complex has to offer. All the developments have been completed to the highest quality with sustainability at their core, for instance, the distillery is powered by hydro and the solar array powers the café and bothies. The tasting room has been created using fallen wood from the estate for furnishings and drawers, contrasting with the copper surfaces and plaster walls. Making sure visitors have a fantastic experience is an absolute priority whether they are stopping by for a coffee, staying for lunch or afternoon tea or exploring the gin distillery. It takes time and effort to reach Torrisdale Estate and the team are well trained to ensure that visitors' efforts exceed expectations. The café has a relaxed, welcoming vibe and is dog friendly inside and out. Motorcyclists are welcome, there is a dedicated parking spot for campervans, and if visitors arrive early or late, they are always accommodated as much as possible and often leave very happy and keen to return.
Niall and Emma refuse to rest on their laurels as they continue to develop the estate to encourage more visitors and guests. Their two bespoke eco-bothies opened early last year and were designed to appeal to the short stay and glamping markets, boasting comfort, style and location, they complement the existing holiday cottages and castle apartments. The distillery produces award winning gin and now boasts five varieties in the range, as well as a collaborative salt vodka (made using Orsay Sea Salt from Islay) and an Orange and Coffee liqueur (distilled with beans from Argyll Coffee Roasters). Beinn a Tuirc also produces an orchard to bottle apple brandy, made from apples harvested from Torrisdale’s walled garden. Gin school and gin tours are popular with an increasing number of visitors each year, as well as the newly introduced wildlife walks, Laird’s tours and woodland school for kids. Pop-up events such as foraged dining, drama performances and music events have all taken place over the last 12 months at Torrisdale, and the latest development at the distillery – a 10m geodesic dome – has been very popular, and will be used to host wellness retreats for yoga, Pilates and Sound Baths as well as private functions, weddings and parties.
Niall and Emma are proud of their work and efforts to recover the business after Covid which affected the hospitality sector badly. In addition, the remote location of the site has been a barrier to enticing visitors, but through efforts to develop the estate and distillery into an attractive tourist destination, there has been a gradual rise in visitor numbers. The extension to the existing farmhouse, which itself was developed from the distillery offices and café, was completed in 2020. An outdoor terrace with a covered area was added and boasts undisturbed views of the Kilbrannan Sound and the Arran hills. The extension is used to accommodate gin tours, gin school, private functions and the Sound Bath sessions. By creating a dynamic and enjoyable work environment, the estate has not needed to worry about staff retention, evidenced by the full-time and seasonal staff returning year on year.