Distillery gets the star treatment

A HOLLYWOOD star has returned to his Galloway roots to open a distillery.

Actor Sam Heughan, best known for his role in hit TV show Outlander, has bought the Crafty Distillery in Newton Stewart with business partner Alex Norouzi.

They’ve renamed it the Galloway Distillery and a launch event was held last weekend.

The pair will roll out Sam’s Sassenach brand and have also acquired local gin Hills & Harbour.

The aim is ‘significantly develop and expand’ the visitor offering over the coming 12-14 months, such that it becomes a signature attraction and an ultimate destination for the South of Scotland.

South of Scotland Enterprise have raised a glass to the Balmaclellan boy, saying: “It is fantastic to see such a famous son of Galloway return home. We’re delighted to welcome Sam Heughan’s new business venture - a world-class visitor attraction rooted in the success of the Sassenach brand and the spirit of Outlander.

“This venture will be a beacon of opportunity for Galloway and beyond – and we’re proud to support it every step of the way.”

Also hailing the news was South Scotland MSP Emma Harper, who said it’s ‘another milestone in our area’s tourism offering’.

She added: “Galloway more than bats above average when it comes to scotch whisky, and while we have a way to go to overtake the dominance of Speyside and the other whisky regions, I know with distilleries like Sam’s as well as Bladnoch, we are getting Galloway whisky on the map around the world.

“We have world-leading food and drink here in the south west, and Sam’s international profile can help us shout that message from the rooftops.”

Meanwhile, the team at the South of Scotland Destination Alliance are delighted to be working in close partnership with Sam.

They said: “This is more than just a distillery; it’s Sam’s love letter to his home region and an exciting new chapter for the South of Scotland as he expands his award-winning Sassenach brand.

“This is the start of something truly special for the South of Scotland.”

Photo: Galloway Distillery/Instagram