Skye, Carbost, Talisker Distillery. General view of distillery from South-West, over two concrete water tanks, containing water supply for distillery.

Description Skye, Carbost, Talisker Distillery. General view of distillery from South-West, over two concrete water tanks, containing water supply for distillery.

Date 1994

Collection Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu

Catalogue Number C 24402 CN

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 741074

Scope and Content Distillery and concrete water tanks from south-west, Talisker Distillery, Skye, Highland Talisker Distillery, the only single malt distillery on Skye, was established in 1830 by brothers Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill. It was renovated 1880-7, and expanded in 1900. Triple distillation was abandoned in 1928 in favour of double distillation, in common with most other Scottish distilleries. After a fire in 1960 most buildings were replaced but the distillery's maltings were demolished in 1972. This shows the main production block and boiler house chimney, situated on the shores of Loch Harport. The two circular concrete tanks in the foreground contain the water supply for the distillery, which is taken from the streams flowing down Hawk Hill. The water is rust red in colour due to the peaty soil. The flavour and qualities of the water supply used in whisky production are often reflected in the final product, and a good supply of water often dictated the positioning of a distillery. A ready supply of peat for use as fuel for boilers and for drying malt was equally important before the introduction of large commercial maltings in the 20th century. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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