Being a whisky aficionado one of my main goals while touring Scotland was to visit a few distilleries. It was also important that they could be reached by public transport. So, our first port of call was the Port of Leith distillery at 11 Whisky Quay, Edinburgh. We travelled there by bus from the city centre to the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.
It is Scotland’s first vertical distillery housed within a 9-storey building which towers over the waterfront. We pre-booked the tour online as it is quite a popular tourist attraction. The tour takes 90 minutes and we were introduced by the tour guide to the history of the company, the distilling process and finally the tasting. At the end of the tour you fill up a miniature bottle with the one you prefer.
Before the whisky tour starts you are asked to take the lift to the top floor. We had a drink of coffee and a snack. Up there was a magnificent view of the harbour and the famous Royal Yacht Britannia which belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. The ship is also one of the top tourist attractions. Over the five decks you hear about life at sea for the Royal Family by visiting the State Apartments and Crews Quarters of the Royal Yachtsmen. Visitors can also enjoy lunch or a cream tea in the Royal Deck Tearoom with stunning waterfront views.
Also at Leith Docks is one of Anthony Gormley statues which is part of his six life-size figures positioned between the grounds of Modern One and the sea. The one at Leith is called “6 Times Horizon”. It is possible to see all the statues in one day but we didn’t!
The day we visited the Port of Leith some building work was taking place at the shopping centre. It seems that the former Debenhams store (sadly no more) was being redesigned to become a new Visitor centre for the Royal Yacht. So, once this is completed the area will certainly be very attractive destination for day out.
