Heriot-Watt University has revealed plans to build a new £35 million brewing and distilling centre.
An assessment of the proposal by BiGGAR Economics suggests the new International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD), could contribute hugely to Scotland’s economy but an additional £53.4 million.
The body also says that within the decade the centre could have a total economic impact of £324.8. million supporting 1,570 jobs in Scotland. Without it however the centre is in danger of lagging behind.
The challenges to the industry including reducing the large volumes of water used to create Scotch whisky, and helping the sector reach net zero by 2040.
The brewing and distilling centre is already well known and has been in place for almost 40 years, providing £240.1 million of Gross Value Added (GVA) for the economy.
Around 2.4% of all jobs in the country are in the alcohol industry – around 60,000 people.
The university is looking for £9.7 million in public investment as well as £25.3 million from industry.
BiGGAR highlights how the CABD could accelerate innovation, ensure ‘workforce readiness’ and tackle future industry competitiveness through:
- Housing new plug-and-play brewing and distilling equipment to enable businesses to trial new production methods, advanced research labs to develop low-carbon technologies
- Supporting new distillation techniques and providing a dedicated entrepreneurial hub to support enterprise formation and growth
- Offering the latest, most advanced brewing and distilling equipment; as well as a raw materials laboratory and product quality and innovation laboratory
- Providing a sensory suite, as well as carbon capture and renewable energy integration.
- Professor Chris Turney, Deputy Principal of Research and Innovation at Heriot-Watt University, said: “BiGGAR Economics’ independent assessment provides a huge vote of confidence in our vision for a new Centre for Advanced Brewing and Distilling. To be located right next to the National Robotarium, the new centre will deliver real, tangible benefits for brewing and distilling and the wider supply chain that depends on them. This report confirms what we have long believed.
- “This assessment shows what our people already achieve. Graduates of our International Centre for Brewing and Distilling have founded nearly 30 of Scotland’s active brewing and distilling businesses. In 2024 to 2025 alone, those businesses added an estimated £79.4 million to the Scottish economy and supported the creation of 520 jobs. That is an outstanding track record that exemplifies what universities can deliver through research and innovation for economic growth and employment.
- “Our vision is firmly grounded in economic reality. Now we can build a new era for brewing and distilling, driven by sustainability and excellence, and keep Scotland where it belongs: a global leader in both.”
- Ewan Andrew, Diageo’s President Global Supply Chain & Procurement and Chief Sustainability Officer and co-chair of Heriot-Watt’s CABD fundraising committee, said: “What this economic impact assessment demonstrates is the potential value to Scotland and the UK that Heriot-Watt University can deliver with a commitment from government to back this new world-class facility.
- “Together, industry investment, philanthropy, government and academic excellence can build resilience and growth opportunities at a speed and scale none of us can achieve alone.”
- Shona Glenn, Director at BiGGAR Economics, said: “The ICBD has played a critical role in sustaining Scotland’s brewing and distilling sector for nearly 40 years by providing a pipeline of talent and steady stream of innovative new enterprises. However, the Centre’s facilities and equipment are no longer fit for purpose and lack of investment is increasingly hampering its ability to ensure the future success of the sector.
- “The CABD would address this by providing a bespoke new facility designed to meet the research and development needs of the sector and facilitate industry wide collaboration. The new facility could enable a substantial uplift in research and innovation activity and ensure the talent pipeline needed to champion the future success of the industry can be maintained.”
