Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Laura Pollock

Distillery on island with population of 161 to open luxury accommodation

AN island distillery is set to open five luxury lodges this autumn in an expansion of accommodation for the business.

On an island with a population of just 161 residents, the Isle of Raasay Distillery is the only distillery in Scotland where you can stay overnight in the same building as a working distillery.

Now, the distillery is to open more accommodation with the introduction of Na Bothain (The Bothies), five lodges inspired by the traditional Scottish bothy..

In Gaelic, “bothan”/”bothain” (plural) refers to a homely shelter typically found across the Scottish countryside where travellers and travellers can find respite from the elements.

On the site, every Bothan will be different, but all will feature floor-to-ceiling windows that provide views of the island’s wild beauty. Guests can also expect handcrafted Hebridean textiles, and island-inspired artwork.

Bookings for the accommodation are open Thursdays through to Mondays from October 2025, and throughout November until the distillery closes for a short break over winter. The lodges will also be available for large group bookings

Early reservations for 2026 are also now open.

Coinciding with the launch of Na Bothain is the introduction of "The Draamers’ Experience", an immersive whisky adventure designed for those who want to go deeper into the world of Isle of Raasay whisky.

The new two-night distillery experience will take place Monday – Wednesday and Wednesday – Friday throughout November and select dates in December.

“We are thrilled to be opening Na Bothain this October and welcome more guests to our island,” says William Dobbie, managing director.

“They offer a whole new way to experience Raasay, not just as a whisky, but as a place. Along with the 6 bedrooms currently available in our distillery building, we will be able to host up to 28 guests so we are delighted to introduce The Draamers’ Experience which will immerse Raasay enthusiasts into the heart of our distillery operations.

"We look forward to welcoming this new exciting chapter in our journey.”

Details of all accommodation options at Isle of Raasay Distillery, Na Bothain and Borodale House, can be found on the distillery’s website.

The distillery was recently been awarded the top 10% places to visit worldwide by TripAdvisor. 

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.