Craigellachie

Craigellachie is a small village in the northern part of Moray, Scotland, situated on the eastern bank of the River Spey. It lies approximately four miles (6 km) north of the town of Elgin and is within the historic county of Moray, an area known for its fertile lands and whisky production.

The village developed around the Craigellachie distillery, founded in 1873 by the Wrighte brothers. The distillery was among the first in Scotland to install a maturing system – a series of oak casks set in a damp, cool warehouse that was later used as a model for other distilleries. The whisky produced, known for its smooth, fruity character, has become emblematic of Speyside style. In recent years the distillery closed for a period but was reopened in 2012 after a redevelopment programme and now operates as an independent distillery managed by the Murrays.

Craigellachie also hosts a number of historic buildings, including the 17th‑century Craigellachie Church and the 18th‑century Craigellachie Free Church complex. The village participates in the annual Spey River Festival, celebrating local heritage, crafts and the whisky industry. It is accessible by road via the A95, and its proximity to the Royal National Scenic Drive makes it a modest but popular stop for tourists exploring the Speyside corridor.