Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD) has opened Laggan Bay, a new Islay-based distillery overlooking the sands of its namesake. 

Now the island’s 11th whisky distillery, the occasion was marked with Leonard Russell (IMD managing director) son Tom (IMD’s head of international business development) and distillery manager Malcolm Rennie filling the first cask on its opening day, 2 April, signalling the beginning of production.

Rennie is an Islay native with decades of Scotch production experience. “Coming home to Islay to help shape Laggan Bay single malt is something I’m proud of.  It’s a rare chance to create a new whisky with a strong sense of place, rooted in the character and traditions that define Islay.”

The business is focusing on being a serious contributor to the Islay community through local employment and ongoing investment. The distillery will be taking part in the island’s yearly festival, Fèis Ìle, and opening its doors for a public event on 31 May.

The distillery has been designed with sustainability in mind. This includes the incorporation of wetlands to manage liquid waste and support local wildlife. The business will also be exploring renewable energy solutions. 

More details on the style of whisky and future releases of Laggan Bay are still in the works and yet to be shared. 

“Filling the first cask at Laggan Bay is an important moment for us as a family business” says Russell. “We have built this distillery with a long‑term vision, knowing the whisky will grow into its own character. We are not here to replicate what Islay already has - we’re here to add to it, with a whisky shaped by its place, our people, and the choices we make from the start.”