Evidence uncovered of illicit distilling at Strathconon

Members of the North of Scotland Archaeological Society have discovered evidence of early distilling activities at Strathconon.

Members of the North of Scotland Archaeological Society (NOSAS) have discovered a centre of illegal whisky distilling and storage dating to the late 18th century. The group made the finds whilst surveying Strathconon glen where they uncovered over fifty bothies where whisky was once distilled and stored, alongside evidence of large malt kilns.

The NOSAS volunteers were working as part of the Scotland's Rural Past Project. NOSAS plan to continue the project in the future by excavating specific areas of interest and have published their findings in the book 'Strathconon - The History and Archaeology of a Northeast Highland Glen' which recounts the attempts of the locals of the day to  hide evidence of their distilling, outwit customs officials and bribe local landlords to help smuggle the whisky to customers.

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