Researchers uncover 200-year-old illegal whisky still

Archaeologists have discovered an illegal whisky distilling site in the Scottish Highlands. The secret still is estimated to be more than 200 years old. 

The National Trust for Scotland (TNTFS) made unearthed the remnants at Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve near Killin.

The team discovered what’s believed to be part of an illicit still once used to make whisky as well as stones and a timber post constructed to house the equipment – known as a  ‘bothy.’ 

“Further well-preserved features of the site provided clear evidence that the stone structure was a bothy purpose-built for clandestine whisky distilling,” said TNTFS. 

Illegal whisky trade soared in the 18th and early 19th centuries after the introduction of the 1788's Excise Act. 

“Distillers of illicit whisky would’ve travelled light and left little trace of their activity, and so a find like this is especially rare and exciting,” says Derek Alexander, Head of Archaeology at TNTFS. “It gives us a glimpse into an activity that was once rife in the hills of Ben Lawers and which was seen by many as an act of community resistance.”

The dig was the latest part of The Pioneering Spirit project, a collaboration between the TNTFS and The Glenlivet to ‘uncover the stories and sites of illicit whisky production across Scotland.’ The initiative has already identified 30 sites of illicit whisky distilling.