Plans have been announced for the restoration of the interior of Lallybroch , which is currently empty and derelict inside , to eventually include visitor accommodation. Outlander fans know it as Jamie Fraser’s home, Lallybroch, but soon Midhope Castle grounds will also home to a new whisky distillery. Lallybroch tours can be booked online or by phone on 07305-294773 . Your driver/ guide is David , an experienced travel photographer . The Scotsman newspaper published one of David’s pictures of Lallybroch on their website in April .
Lallybroch is the holy grail for Outlander fans and thousands flock to the site every year on private tours , but they can only currently visit the outside of the castle . Visitors will be able to access the repaired parts of the castle, which are set to be revamped to include tasting, meeting and dining rooms
Initial work is expected to be completed in 2022 with further renovation and repairs to the castle (including accommodation) to take place once the business is established.
The castle lies on the same estate as Hopetoun House with the exterior used as a backdrop in series one and two of Outlander. The plans, which were approved on 13 April, show the site will include a 2850sqm distillery building, service buildings, landscaping, an access road and parking.
The Midhope Castle distillery, which will become one of a small number of single malt distilleries in the Lothians, will use barley grown on the Hopetoun Estate, which already has a long tradition of growing and supplying malting barley to the Scottish whisky trade. Outlander star Sam Heughan has had huge success with his own award winning Sassenach whisky .
Speaking at the time of the plans being submitted, a spokesperson for the Midhope Castle Distillery Company said: “We will set out to design and build a distillery that makes great whisky while addressing sustainability through every element of its architecture, its construction and its operation
“With an innovative approach across the board we would aim to reduce our production carbon footprint to the absolute minimum, if not to zero.
“We believe that this approach goes hand in hand with producing a distinctive and characterful single malt Scotch Whisky capable of reflecting the qualities and traditions of one of Scotland’s great historic estates.”
A planning statement on behalf of Hopetoun Estates Trust said: “The benefits arising from the proposed development at this site can be delivered in a manner that enhances the setting of the Midhope Castle and surrounding area.
“The proposals provide the opportunity to provide employment within a thoughtfully designed, appropriate development and extends the tourism-offer at Midhope Castle. The development will be complementary to Hopetoun House and the Estate.”