Secret Garden Distillery, an award-winning gin producer based in Midlothian, has entered voluntary liquidation after nearly a decade of trading. The distillery, known for its all-natural gins, has appointed business advisory group Opus Restructuring LLP as joint administrators.
A statement on the brand's website confirms the closure: "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." The reason for the liquidation has not been disclosed.
Company Records and Public Notice
Documents on Companies House show a change of address from the original Old Pentland Road in Edinburgh to the liquidators' office at 9 George Square, Glasgow. A public notice dated July 7 indicates that a meeting held earlier that month resolved to "voluntarily wind up" the company. Gareth David Wilcox and Mark Harper of Opus Restructuring were appointed joint administrators.
History and Achievements
Founded by Hamish Martin, the distillery originated from a herb garden project in 2012 called "The Secret Herb Garden." Located at the foot of the Pentland Hills, the site grew 600 varieties of plants and herbs used to create natural Scottish gin. The distillery, originally named The Old Curiosity Distillery, opened in 2017 and offered tours and gin experiences, attracting around 20,000 visitors annually.
Secret Garden Distillery won numerous accolades, including awards from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) and Spirits Business Gin Masters. In 2025, it was named IWSC UK Gin Producer of the Year.
Public Reception
The distillery held a 4.3 rating on TripAdvisor based on hundreds of reviews. Visitors praised the "stunning" scenery, "fun" tasting experience, and environmental commitment. One review said: "The product, the product, the product! The passion and knowledge the guide showed was wonderful..." Another added: "Fantastic tour... the tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the whole experience very enjoyable."
Recent Scottish Business Closures
Secret Garden Distillery is not the only Scottish company to collapse recently. BGL Contracts Limited collapsed on June 30, resulting in all 40 employees losing their jobs. The Glasgow-based electrical firm, founded in 2009, appointed Geoffrey Isaac Jacobs and Alistair McAlinden of Interpath Advisory as joint administrators due to "insurmountable challenges."
Additionally, Merchant City Distributors Limited, near East Kilbride, entered administration after 23 years of trading, with all 23 jobs axed. The white goods supplier, founded in 2003, cited "supply chain" issues and owed creditors more than £1 million.
