MLA and Contagious – Rosebank Distillery, Falkirk

Text provided by design practice.

Established in 1840, Rosebank was known as the ‘King of the Lowlands’ for its high-quality triple-distilled whisky until it closed in 1993 and fell into disrepair. Ian MacLeod Distillers acquired the site in 2017 and enlisted MLA and Contagious to revive the distillery. Developing the concept through in-depth workshops and community engagement, the design team retained as many listed warehouse buildings as possible, incorporating a full height glass facade to display three stunning pot stills and invite the local community into the whisky-making process. Opening to the public in June 2024, Rosebank expects to welcome up to 50,000 visitors per year, creating new jobs within the distilling, retail and tourism industries.