There aren’t many people that can say they built a whisky distillery on their farmland. And for that person to be a self-confessed non-whisky drinker is even more unlikely.
But John Fraser Mckenzie ticks both boxes.
It all started in 2013 when John had a unique goal in mind – founding a distillery on his farm overlooking Dingwall.
Known as GlenWyvis, it opened its doors five years ago to the day, in November 2017, with the aim of building on the vast history of distilling in the area which stems back to 1690.
The name was chosen as it combines John’s family history from Evanton and Dingwall. The former distilleries at Evanton and Dingwall were called Glenskiach & Ben Wyvis; the name GlenWyvis builds on the history in the area with a fresh new name.
It is the world’s first 100% community-owned, eco-friendly distillery releasing its first single malt in December 2021. There had not been a whisky released in Dingwall in almost a century before its launch.
But that begs the question. Why is John, also known as The Flying Farmer, selling Scroggie Farm and seeking a new landlord for the distillery?
‘A truly unique opportunity’
John established the Dingwall Whisky Distillery Trust (DWDT) last year to ensure local oversight of the land GlenWyvis and its warehouses are tenants of.
He is also a green energy advocate and former Army Air Corps and Canadian Air Force helicopter pilot.
His day-to-day work experience covers a diverse range of activities.
Patrolling storm-damaged powerlines and chauffeuring Nicola Sturgeon across Scotland during her general election campaign are among them.
Some of the filming work for television has included adverts for Vodafone, Peugeot and Clydesdale Bank.
Being a self-confessed non-whisky drinker, John says this has played a part in the decision to pass on the baton.
“I have decided that the time is right to pass on the responsibility and legacy of the unique position of owning the farm and being a landlord to the distillery,” John added.
“As a non-whisky drinker, I feel the right owners could be a Scottish drinks company who can assist the distillery in its endeavors.
“I know there are many passionate whisky enthusiasts who will enjoy becoming involved in developing projects.
“It is hoped that a buyer will be found who will continue my work, building links within the local area around innovation and green energy, perhaps even bringing the first electric hillside tram to Scotland.
“The new GlenWyvis landlord will attend board meetings and assist the distillery with its endeavors of putting Dingwall firmly back on the Scotch Malt Whisky map.
“It is a truly unique opportunity.”
What is included in the sale?
Scroggie Farm extends to 30 acres across 17 fields and comes with the benefit of being the landlord of GlenWyvis Distillery, including rights within the DWDT and intellectual property and assets.
The sale also includes GlenWyvis Farmhouse, which is unique, bespoke, and architect-designed.
The property extends to all buildings, a hydro scheme, a wind turbine, and a solar array.
It is a working farm with 50 Belted Galloway cattle and Highlanders, and a flock of Swiss Valais Blacknose Sheep.
Outline planning permissions currently exist for a farm shop, conversion of the cow shed to a bonded warehouse, and two further options for warehouses.
A landmark attraction for Dingwall
John went on to say: “Like many towns, Dingwall has suffered from shop closures as people purchase products online.
“With the mart already moved out of Dingwall, the project ethos was that the new distillery would be community-owned, run, and managed by those living within the local community.
“The golden egg was the planned visitor centre designed beside the original Ferintosh/Ben Wyvis distillery at the entrance to Dingwall.
“A cinema, restaurant, shop, and tasting/event rooms were planned.
“It is envisioned that links from the town visitor centre to the farm distillery would progress.”
John always intended for the project to be about the regeneration of Dingwall by using his farming links and flying contacts.
He added: “I will be sad to leave the farm and project behind but I will always be the founder of GlenWyvis. 10 years of involvement is enough.
“It was always about Dingwall and its regeneration.
“Maybe one day I will become a whisky drinker but my satisfaction and passion continue to be flying helicopters in diverse roles and farming livestock.”
For more information, visit www.dwdt.co.uk/farm-sale
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