Stannergill Whisky - The Spirit of Castletown Mill

Aim

Conserving and revitalising Castletown Mill as a destination craft whisky distillery and historic environment visitor attraction.

The Building That Refused to Collapse

For over 200 years, Castletown Mill has stood as a sentinel on the Caithness landscape. Built in 1818, this magnificent Grade B listed grain mill once powered the local economy, grinding barley from surrounding fields and feeding communities across the North Highlands.

But by 2020, the mill was falling into ruin. Listed as ‘derelict’ since 1991, its roof had collapsed, floors had given way, and the Buildings at Risk Register classified it as being in ‘Very Poor’ condition. Prince Charles himself said he “could not bear to see Castletown Mill become more and more deteriorated.”

We refused to let that happen.

Our Story

We’re Martin and Claire Murray, founders of Dunnet Bay Distillers and makers of the multi-award-winning Rock Rose Gin. In 2014, we started our distillery with one simple dream: to create jobs at home in Caithness so we could live, work, and raise our family in the county of our birth.

We never imagined we'd win 3 stars at Great Taste Awards, grow to employ sixteen people, win Gin Distillery of the Year, or see our spirits sold from Hong Kong to Hawaii, in Marks & Spencer and The House of Bruar. But we did.

When Castletown Mill came up for sale in 2020, we faced a choice. The sensible option? Demolish it and build a modern distillery for a fraction of the £6 million restoration cost. The right option? Save a piece of Caithness history and give it new life.

We chose history. We chose heritage. We chose Castletown Mill.

Why Whisky? Why Now?

Castletown Mill was built to process. Two centuries ago, grain was milled within the thick Caithness stone walls of the mill. What better way to honour that legacy than to create Stannergill Whisky - a single malt crafted from Highland water flowing beneath the mill and barley grown in the very fields that once fed it?

This isn’t just about making whisky. It’s about:

• Saving an iconic building from collapse and decay
• Creating 12 new jobs in rural Caithness where opportunities are scarce
• Preserving our heritage for future generations
• Building a legacy brand that tells the story of this remarkable place
• Creating a destination distillery which is more than just whisky

In November 2025 we obtained our Acceptance of Completion Certificate for the building and our process installation of the whisky equipment is 80% complete.  Our restaurant, the Grain Store, and distillery shop have opened.  

What We’re Building

By Easter 2026, Castletown Mill will be transformed into a state-of-the-art craft whisky distillery and world-class visitor attraction with all parts of the building and whisky process complete. Imagine:

• Traditional copper pot stills gleaming in a 200-year-old mill
• Guided tours revealing centuries of milling and distilling heritage
• Tastings of Stannergill Single Malt, crafted on-site from local ingredients
• Exhibits celebrating the mill’s extraordinary history
• Masterclasses, workshops, and events bringing the building back to life

Located on the iconic North Coast 500 route, Castletown Mill will become a destination for whisky lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone who believes that old buildings deserve new chapters.

Our Values: The Caithness Way

Neil Gunn, the Caithness-born novelist, described our home as “the land of exquisite light” where “lochs and earth and sea pass away to a remote horizon.” Every bottle of Stannergill Whisky will capture that spirit through five core values:

Authenticity - Highland water from beneath the mill, local barley, traditional methods.

Flavour - Matured in carefully selected bourbon and sherry casks, aged until our Master Distiller says it’s perfect.

Innovation - Respecting tradition whilst pioneering new approaches to sustainability and visitor experience.

Sustainability - Renewable energy, minimal waste, electric transport for visitors, and circular use of all by-products.

Tradition - Copper pot stills, time-honoured techniques, and a deep respect for Caithness whisky-making heritage.

Why We Need Your Help

We’ve already invested over £5 million in stabilising the building and beginning the restoration. We've been fortunate to have support from Historic Environment Scotland and Highland & Islands Enterprise.  But to complete the maturation warehouse - the heart of any whisky distillery - we need £150,000. We felt it was our chance to work closely with the community to create history.

This warehouse will: 

- House hundreds of casks of maturing Stannergill Single Malt 

- Create the perfect environment essential for crafting exceptional whisky 

- Complete the full restoration of this historic building 

- Enable us to grow our team and create those 12 new jobs

We want to do this with your help.

What You’ll Get

This isn’t charity - it’s an opportunity to own a piece of whisky history. Our rewards range from roof tile sponsorships to full cask ownership, with our flagship 1818 Society Membership offering £800 worth of benefits for just £650.

Please note we will be shipping as many packages in time for Christmas as we can, but some may take longer if demand is strong.  We aim to fulfil all orders by 28th February 2026.

Join Us

Castletown Mill has survived two centuries, two world wars, and decades of neglect. It deserves to see its third century.

Help us to further develop this remarkable story. Help us create Stannergill Whisky. Help us write the next chapter of Caithness heritage.

Back us today. Become a founder. Be part of the story.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made