The Scotch Whisky Experience at The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre - About Us
Background Information
The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre was launched in July 1987, when 19 individual Scotch Whisky companies jointly invested £2m in the venture.
The purpose of the venture was to create a permanent attraction featuring the history and development of Scotch Whisky. The Scotch Whisky Experience is a showcase for the Scotch Whisky Industry generally and, in particular, for those brands represented. The Scotch Whisky Experience does not produce whisky, but can work well to compliment the experience of visiting a distillery.
Mission Statement
“It is our mission to inspire, enthuse and impassion our visitors about Scotch Whisky in everything we do.”
Core Values – what is important to us?
Passion, Learning, Excellence, Authenticity, People & Fun
The Scotch Whisky Experience comprises the Whisky Tour covering all the various aspects of Scotch Whisky : learn about production and how the regions affect the character of the whiskies, listen as our resident ghost “The Master Blender” tells you all about blending and travel back in time in our electric Barrel Car Ride to experience 300 years of Scotch Whisky history; Amber Restaurant, which has the Scottish Tourist Board “Eat Scotland” accreditation and a Gold Award from the Edinburgh Restaurateurs Association ; a whisky bar with over 300 different whiskies and whisky liqueurs to taste; and a Shop. The Scotch Whisky Experience also runs the Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society (SWAS) which visitors can join to receive a taste of four different malts with tasting notes and discounts in the Shop.
In addition, The Scotch Whisky Experience is very active in the Corporate Hospitality field, offering on and off-site tutored whisky tastings. There are also three private rooms, which can be hired for conferences and parties, and used independently of the whisky tour and other facilities.
In 2001 we started the Scotch Whisky Training School, with the backing of Scottish Enterprise. The purpose of this venture is to help ensure that all those involved in the sale and service of Scotch whisky have access to good training and best practice. Recently we have been seeing an increasing number of enthusiasts participate in the course - keen to learn more about their favourite drink.
In March 2004 we launched “Amber by Night” offering fine dining and building upon our successful daytime operation. Amber by night is currently open Tuesday-Saturday evenings.
The Scotch Whisky Experience is committed to good communication with visitors. The tour is available in eight languages on a head-set system – English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian and Japanese. We also provide Russian and Mandarin commentary on our Barrel Car Ride. Brochures are also printed in all ten languages.
Our facilities for the disabled are award winning.
Accolades
VisitScotland 5* Visitor Attraction (re-assessed and attained 2006)
Scottish Tourist Board “Eat Scotland” award
Gold Award from Edinburgh Restaurateurs Association
Investors in People
Unique Business Areas
The Tour (launched 1988)
Shop (launched 1988)
Events (launched 1994)
Tutored Whisky Tastings (launched 1998)
Bar (launched 1998)
Restaurant (launched 1998)
Appreciation Society (launched 1999)
Scotch Whisky Training School (launched 2001)
Evening Dining (launched 2004)
Visitor Numbers 2006
Total visitor numbers 240,000
Key Personnel
We employ 28 full time members of staff, rising to 50 in the summer months.
Alastair McIntosh (Managing Director)
Susan Morrison (Director & General Manager)
Tony Dick (Finance Director & Company Secretary)
Julie Trevisan-Hunter (Deputy & Marketing Manager)
Angela Keir (Deputy General Manager)
David Wilson (Technical Manager)
Wendy Neave (Hospitality & Events Manager)
Lenka Whyles (Operations Manager)
Ross Morris (IT and Retail Manager)
Katie Jeffrey (HR Administrator)
Further information
Telephone: Angela Keir 0131 220 0441
Web: www.scotch-whisky-experience.co.uk
Email: a.keir@whisky-heritage.co.uk
Background Information
The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre was launched in July 1987, when 19 individual Scotch Whisky companies jointly invested £2m in the venture.
The purpose of the venture was to create a permanent attraction featuring the history and development of Scotch Whisky. The Scotch Whisky Experience is a showcase for the Scotch Whisky Industry generally and, in particular, for those brands represented. The Scotch Whisky Experience does not produce whisky, but can work well to compliment the experience of visiting a distillery.
Mission Statement
“It is our mission to inspire, enthuse and impassion our visitors about Scotch Whisky in everything we do.”
Core Values – what is important to us?
Passion, Learning, Excellence, Authenticity, People & Fun
The Scotch Whisky Experience comprises the Whisky Tour covering all the various aspects of Scotch Whisky : learn about production and how the regions affect the character of the whiskies, listen as our resident ghost “The Master Blender” tells you all about blending and travel back in time in our electric Barrel Car Ride to experience 300 years of Scotch Whisky history; Amber Restaurant, which has the Scottish Tourist Board “Eat Scotland” accreditation and a Gold Award from the Edinburgh Restaurateurs Association ; a whisky bar with over 300 different whiskies and whisky liqueurs to taste; and a Shop. The Scotch Whisky Experience also runs the Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society (SWAS) which visitors can join to receive a taste of four different malts with tasting notes and discounts in the Shop.
In addition, The Scotch Whisky Experience is very active in the Corporate Hospitality field, offering on and off-site tutored whisky tastings. There are also three private rooms, which can be hired for conferences and parties, and used independently of the whisky tour and other facilities.
In 2001 we started the Scotch Whisky Training School, with the backing of Scottish Enterprise. The purpose of this venture is to help ensure that all those involved in the sale and service of Scotch whisky have access to good training and best practice. Recently we have been seeing an increasing number of enthusiasts participate in the course - keen to learn more about their favourite drink.
In March 2004 we launched “Amber by Night” offering fine dining and building upon our successful daytime operation. Amber by night is currently open Tuesday-Saturday evenings.
The Scotch Whisky Experience is committed to good communication with visitors. The tour is available in eight languages on a head-set system – English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian and Japanese. We also provide Russian and Mandarin commentary on our Barrel Car Ride. Brochures are also printed in all ten languages.
Our facilities for the disabled are award winning.
Accolades
VisitScotland 5* Visitor Attraction (re-assessed and attained 2006)
Scottish Tourist Board “Eat Scotland” award
Gold Award from Edinburgh Restaurateurs Association
Investors in People
Unique Business Areas
The Tour (launched 1988)
Shop (launched 1988)
Events (launched 1994)
Tutored Whisky Tastings (launched 1998)
Bar (launched 1998)
Restaurant (launched 1998)
Appreciation Society (launched 1999)
Scotch Whisky Training School (launched 2001)
Evening Dining (launched 2004)
Visitor Numbers 2006
Total visitor numbers 240,000
Key Personnel
We employ 28 full time members of staff, rising to 50 in the summer months.
Alastair McIntosh (Managing Director)
Susan Morrison (Director & General Manager)
Tony Dick (Finance Director & Company Secretary)
Julie Trevisan-Hunter (Deputy & Marketing Manager)
Angela Keir (Deputy General Manager)
David Wilson (Technical Manager)
Wendy Neave (Hospitality & Events Manager)
Lenka Whyles (Operations Manager)
Ross Morris (IT and Retail Manager)
Katie Jeffrey (HR Administrator)
Further information
Telephone: Angela Keir 0131 220 0441
Web: www.scotch-whisky-experience.co.uk
Email: a.keir@whisky-heritage.co.uk
