1 week Ago By [email protected] (Garry McCartney)
A historic local business closed for more than 40 years that is set to reopen is hosting an open day next month. More than 1000 people enjoyed the family fun at Dallas Dhu Gala Day in 2017 - organisers Aceo Ltd hope even more attend on May 3 for a varied programme of entertainment including live music, food and drink, displays and games. Aceo managing director, Edward Odim, is confident the event will be at least as successful as the last one.
He said: "If we get as many people as we did back in 2019, as well as good weather, it's going to be a great day! “We look forward to welcoming the people of Forres back to the historic treasure that is Dallas Dhu Distillery." Built by entrepreneur Alexander Edward in 1898, Dallas Dhu originally produced malt whisky for the Roderick Dhu blend. After closing and reopening three times in the decades that followed, production ceased in 1983, and the distillery was handed into state care a few years later.
The traditional distilling equipment remains as it was when the doors closed for the final time. Last summer, custodian Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announced that the business will reopen as a working distillery, with Aceo responsible for management of operations. Dallas Dhu will be transformed into a heritage attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to experience artisanal Scotch whisky production methods.
Phased improvements will include bonded warehousing facilities and reintroduction of whisky production. The new visitor centre will offer tours focusing on the story of Speyside production. An Aceo spokesperson there is no confirmed schedule for the reopening yet.
She added: “Our current priority has been to reopen the site and make it accessible to the public, with the aim of getting the visitor centre up-and-running again in the near future.” The Gala Day programme includes: 25 sales stalls; food vendors; Speyside Falconry displays; Highland Games demonstrations; a cooperage display; traditional Scottish dancers; Elgin City Brass Band; Forres and District Pipe Band; Moray Music Centre; face painting, a scavenger hunt, lawn games, a rubber duck race and a bouncy castle. Forres Camera Club and Speyside Photography Group are staging a photography exhibition and competition with the theme 'Through the Lens of Caledonia'.
The organisers are requesting entries that say something about what Scotland means to them. Forres Osprey Bus will be on-hand to transport visitors from town to the event. Aceo will cover the cost to ensure that anyone who needs a lift up Mannachie Road to the distillery can do so for free.
The Aceo spokesperson added: “We want to bring the everyone together to celebrate the exciting revival of Dallas Dhu Distillery. This is our chance to connect with the people of the area, and to firmly establish our place within the community. “Expect a warm welcome, great experiences, and a few special surprises along the way.
” She finished: “We're also proud to be supporting a good cause – there will be a raffle in aid of Highland Hospice.”.
