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Pagoda roof
The distinctively-shaped pagoda roof is an
instantly recognisable landmark in those parts of Scotland where
there are whisky distilleries. The pagoda chimney, or "ventilator"
as it was first called, was the brainchild of Elgin architect
Charles Doig, who devised it in 1889 as a more efficient means
of drawing smoke from the peat fires in the kiln. The tapered
tiled roof allowed the smoke to circulate freely through the drying
barley, speeding up the process and improving the quality of the
malt.
Very few distilleries today do their own malting,
preferring to buy it in from specialist suppliers. But some of
the original pagoda roofs can still be seen, having been retained
by distilleries as an architectural feature and symbol of their
heritage. When, in 1898, the Aberlour Distillery was rebuilt,
having largely been destroyed by fire, Charles Doig capped the
new kiln with a pagoda chimney and roof. Although the original
is no longer there, a pagoda roof sits atop the new Visitors Centre
– a pleasing link with Aberlour's working history. See
Aberlour Distillery.
Penny Brig
So called because on certain days of the year
(one in March and one in November) pedestrians crossing this footbridge
over the Spey had to pay a toll of one penny. Its official name
is Victoria Bridge and it was built with a legacy of £500
from James Fleming, founder of the Aberlour Distillery and local
benefactor.
Fleming was moved to make this typically generous
gesture because of a tragedy during the early 1890s, when a child
was swept overboard and drowned whilst on the ferryboat to Wester
Elchies, across the Spey from Aberlour. Due to a long-running
dispute with the Laird of Elchies, the suspension bridge was not
erected until 1902, seven years after Fleming's death. Thanks
to this remarkable man, however, children and adults alike have
been able to cross the river in safety ever since. Adjacent to
the popular Speyside Way footpath it provides walkers with an
ideal crossing point to the opposite bank and surrounding countryside
– and it won't cost them a penny.
Pot Still
Along with many gold medals, Aberlour has won numerous Pot Still Trophies at the annual International Wine & Spirit Competition. The IWSC trophies are awarded to the overall winner in a particular category – e.g. single malt – from whatever region and of whatever age. In short, the very best of the best.
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