Raising the roof

Raising the roof

Rob Allanson

25 September 2007

Publication: Issue 66

Highland Park is investing morethan £550,000 to replace the two pagoda roofs at its Grade B listed distillery in Kirkwall, Orkney.A well-known sight synonymous with Scotch whisky distilleries, although few are still used for the production of single malt whisky, the pagoda roofs at Highland Park date back to the 1890s and are still in use today.Specialist contractors flew to the island to undertake the intricate works, due for completion in September this year, while the second will be replaced next year.Highland Park distillery manager Russell Anderson commented: “The pagodas are an integral part of our whisky production process .“The pagoda roofs sit high above our peat-fired kilns and draw the smoke up through the barley which imparts a unique aromatic character to our whisky.” The original pagoda roof, around 8 feet x 12 feet in size, will be kept for display at the distillery when the visitor centre undergoes a refurbishment next year.

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