Secret Garden Distillery, a family-run Scottish gin producer celebrated for its award-winning spirits, has entered voluntary liquidation after nearly a decade of trading. The Midlothian-based distillery, which welcomed approximately 20,000 visitors annually, confirmed the closure in a statement on its website, appointing business advisory group Opus Restructuring LLP as joint administrators.
Liquidation Details and Official Statements
A public notice dated July 7, 2026, reveals that a meeting held earlier that month resolved that the company be "voluntarily wound up." Gareth David Wilcox and Mark Harper of Opus Restructuring have been appointed as joint administrators. The full statement on the Secret Garden Distillery website reads: "Secret Garden Distillery Limited has entered Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation and is no longer trading. For any queries, please contact the Joint Liquidators of Opus Restructuring LLP at glasgow@opusllp.com."
Documents filed with Companies House show a change of address from the original Old Pentland Road in Edinburgh to the liquidators' office at 9 George Square, Glasgow. The reasons behind the decision to call in liquidators remain unclear at the time of writing.
History and Accolades
Secret Garden Distillery was established by Hamish Martin, with its origins in a herb garden venture known as "The Secret Herb Garden," launched in 2012. Located at the foot of the Pentland Hills, the site cultivated over 600 varieties of plants and herbs, all used on-site to craft natural Scottish gin. Martin later launched the distillery arm in 2017, initially called The Old Curiosity Distillery.
The distillery earned multiple accolades from prestigious award ceremonies, including the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) and Spirits Business Gin Masters. In 2025, it secured the IWSC UK Gin Producer of the Year title. Its gins were recognized for quality and innovation, cementing its reputation in the competitive spirits market.
Visitor Experience and Reviews
The distillery offered tours and gin tasting experiences that attracted around 20,000 visitors per year. On TripAdvisor, it boasts a 4.3 rating based on hundreds of reviews, praised for its "stunning" surroundings, "fun" tasting experience, and commitment to environmental sustainability. One reviewer noted: "The product, the product, the product! The passion and knowledge the guide showed was wonderful and the grounds and beds the botanicals are grown in is so interesting. The tasting was delicious and informative."
Another guest commented: "Fantastic tour of the distillery and the beautiful gardens, and a great tasting as well. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the whole experience very enjoyable. Would recommend!" A further visitor added: "Great explanations, very good gin, made with love and our own herbs. Enchanted in the middle of nowhere, but worth the search!"
Impact and Future Uncertainty
The liquidation marks the end of an era for the award-winning distillery, which had become a notable player in Scotland's gin industry. The closure affects employees, suppliers, and the local tourism economy, though specific impacts have not been detailed. Creditors are advised to contact the joint liquidators for further information.
