The world’s most northerly whisky distillery is celebrating opening its new visitor centre – with a wee dram, of course.

HIGHLAND PARK is welcoming visitors to the newly-refurbished visitor centre at its Orkney distillery, the northernmost Scotch whisky distillery in the world.

Visitors can discover the whiskymaking techniques that have made Highland Park arguably the most respected single malt in the world by taking a guided tour of the distillery and, of course, a tasting.

The visitor centre brings to life the distillery, established in 1798, and its integral relationship with Orkney.

Visitors can enjoy a dram at the tasting bar, featuring Orkney drystone walling and traditional oak reclaimed from an original Highland Park washback, previously used for the fermentation stage of making the single malt. A new cask education area highlights the vital role of the exceptional sherry oak casks used to develop the distinctive richness and complexity of the whisky.

Those on the Connoisseurs Tour will enjoy a more in-depth experience, ending their visit in The Tasting Room with a sampling of the award-winning malts in Highland Park’s portfolio, including whiskies up to 25 years old. It is an exceptional room for Highland Park fans, as it showcases a selection of Highland Park bottlings, old and new.

Patricia Retson, visitor centre manager, said: “The impact of the credit crunch indicates that more people will be staying in the UK for their holidays this year and we look forward to welcoming new visitors.

“A visit to Orkney would not be complete without a tour of Highland Park distillery – it is a truly exceptional experience and a wonderful way in which to learn more about the history and traditions of this awardwinning single malt.”

Visitors can view historic Highland Park memoirs, including a note from Sir Winston Churchill. During the Second World War, the HMS Royal Oak was sunk in Scapa Flow and Churchill visited the distillery.

When offered a cup of tea on arrival, he bluntly stated his preference for a glass of Highland Park.

Book-loving visitors can also discover more than 200 whisky publications, including an original copy of Alfred Barnard’s The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom, published in 1887.

The standard guided tour of Highland Park distillery costs £6 and the connoisseur’s tour is £35.

■ For further information, visit highlandpark.co.uk or call the visitor centre on 01856-874619.