Lindores Abbey toasts five stars

A Fife distillery has been given a top rating by Scotland’s tourism body a year after it opened.

Lindores Abbey Distillery’s five-star accreditation from VisitScotland has delighted founders Drew and Helen McKenzie Smith and their team.

Mr McKenzie Smith said: “Our aim is to provide a firstclass experience to all whisky pilgrims and visitors to the distillery. To receive the top award is recognition of the hard work we have all put into the business. We have worked closely with VisitScotland and received invaluable support, assistance and expert guidance throughout our journey.”

The abbey where the distillery was created, near Newburgh, was founded in 1191 and visited by kings, queens and warriors, including William Wallace who took refuge after his victory over the English.

Its visitor centre is crafted from original abbey stone and features an illustrated history of the monks who founded the abbey.

A VisitScotland spokesperson said that earning five-star status was an outstanding achievement and added: “Our quality assurance schemes are world-leading and provide a trusted, independent and impartial source of information for visitors.

“The five-star rating reflects the entire visitor experience, as well as the investment in the business to make it as economically sustainable and profitable as it can be.”