A new Highland whisky created for a multimillion-dollar castle transformation has caught the attention of Scotland’s design elite. Seanchaidh, the official whisky of the upcoming Inverness Castle Experience, has been shortlisted for the Scottish Design Awards 2025 in the Packaging category.
The recognition comes as the $39 million (£30 million) castle redevelopment project prepares to open its doors later this year. The whisky, whose name means “storyteller” in Gaelic, was created specifically for the new visitor attraction by Inverness-based creative agency Dynam and the Own Label Company.
Unique Whisky Design Features Highland Heritage
The award nomination highlights the bottle’s distinctive double-sided wrap-around label design. According to David MacGregor, Creative Director at Dynam, “The design presents a unique double-sided wrap-around label. As the consumer handles the bottle and explores the design, the image of the Castle’s Rose Window is revealed on the inside of the label, inviting discovery with every turn and sip.”
The packaging incorporates the castle’s iconic Rose Window as its centerpiece, symbolizing the building’s role as a cultural beacon for Highland stories. The design brief called for a whisky that would reflect the storytelling traditions of the Scottish Highlands while honoring the castle’s historical significance.
Sally Robertson from the Own Label Company sourced the Highland whisky from an established distiller, though the specific distillery has not been disclosed. No official tasting notes have been released for Seanchaidh at this time.
Castle Transformation Brings New Whisky to Market
The Inverness Castle Experience represents a major investment in Highland tourism infrastructure. The project forms part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, a joint investment worth up to $409.5 million (£315 million) from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Michael Golding, Chair of High Life Highland’s Board of Directors, expressed satisfaction with the recognition. “We’re thrilled to see Seanchaidh recognised in such a competitive field. This whisky embodies everything the Castle stands for – connection, culture and the spirit of the Highlands,” he said.
The Scottish Design Awards attracted a record number of entries this year, making the shortlisting particularly notable for the local creative team. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on June 25.
The castle redevelopment aims to create a major visitor attraction celebrating Highland culture, heritage, and natural environment. When the facility opens, Seanchaidh will be available for purchase as both a souvenir and a premium Highland whisky experience.
The project continues a trend of Scottish cultural institutions creating bespoke spirits to enhance visitor experiences and generate additional revenue streams. Similar initiatives have been undertaken at other heritage sites across Scotland in recent years.
Read the full article at Highland Castle Whisky Wins Design Award Nomination
