MLA's Rosebank Distillery transformation blends the past with the future to stunning effect.

When architecture and design practice, MLA, undertook the renovation of the historic Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk, the team knew it would come with its challenges.

Established in 1840, Rosebank was known as the ‘King of the Lowlands’ for its high-quality triple-distilled whisky. However, recessions, reduction in whisky consumption, two world wars, and soaring maintenance costs all took their toll.

When the business eventually closed in 1993 the distillery was abandoned and fell into disrepair. Acquiring the dilapidated site in 2019, Ian MacLeod Distillers had the vision of reviving the iconic Rosebank brand and restoring its former home.

Attempts at repurposing the site as residential and commercial space had previously failed, so this was an ambitious aim.

On its last legs at the time of purchase, the site needed care, attention, and passion to carry on the Rosebank legacy.

Since new whisky needs time to mature, the commercial viability of the new distillery is supported by its use as an experiential hospitality destination which assists the success of the project.

A series of in-depth workshops and community engagement developed the brief and the company’s vision for the brand. They also identified the operational constraints and the commercial expectations of the project.

Honouring the heritage of the building, preservation and re-use were prioritised. A local landmark, the 108ft famed chimney was restored and repaired. An ‘ancient monument’ on the site, the lockkeeper’s cottage, was incorporated into the build with guidance from Historic Scotland.

Victorian, red brickwork buildings on the canal-side make up part of the all-important visitor centre - home to six tasting rooms. A traditional ‘dunnage’ warehouse, which ensures compliant ethanol ventilation, was built from the bricks of the original. And the 103-year-old mill has been retained, refurbished, and deployed in the new plant.

Reflecting the historical context, the finished design blends the past with the future to stunning effect. The preserved chimneystack stands proudly embedded in a striking, contemporary, steel-framed building.

Showcasing the three stunning pot stills, a full height glass frontage invites passers-by and the local community into the heart of the whisky-making process. The team at Rosebank have described the inspiring new still house as ‘a cathedral to distillation’ and ‘a reverential place’.

Opened to the public in June 2024, Rosebank has since achieved its 5-star status from national tourism organisation, Visit Scotland highlighting that its “high quality production value and innovative presentation” is excellent.

Securing a long-term future for Rosebank Distillery, the development has restored a landmark building and improved the adjacent landscape, creating an attractive outdoor space for visitors and the community.

MLA was recently awarded two Architecture Awards from Architect’s Journal for Rosebank, and when looking at the results of the project, we can certainly see why. Well done, team.