Eastbridge distillery

Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Eastbridge was a major distillery at Kirkcaldy in Fife that survived nearly six decades under several different licensees. It then became a flour mill that has survived until today, and is a major landmark in the town close to the Firth of Forth.

The distillery stood beside the East Burn close to Kirkcaldy docks and a steep rail incline (lifted many years ago), leading down to the waterfront. When distilling ceased in 1848, the distillery was converted to a flour mill that, much enlarged and modernised, is still there today. It was sold in late 2016 by Carrs to the Whitworth Group.

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Map
  • Region
    Lowland
  • Production type
    Single malt
  • Distillery Status
    Demolished
  • Previous names
    Kirkcaldy
    East Bridge

Eastbridge History

Eastbridge distillery was operated for most of its life in a staccato fashion by a string of companies, none of which owned the site for more than 10 years.

It was built by Robert Speirs in 1795, although it closed in the same year. Eastbridge was eventually re-opened in 1813 by Spears Mitchell and Co., which was dissolved in 1819, although the distillery continued under Thomas Spears sen. & Co until 1829, when Thomas Spears was sequestrated.

Distilling resumed under Robert Spears & Son from 1831 to 1837, and then under Hemsworth and Co. until they too were sequestrated in 1844.

The final distiller on record was Andrew Philp, who was sequestrated himself in 1848, after which the distillery was converted into a flour mill.

Timeline

  • 1795 Eastbridge distillery is opened and operated by Robert Speirs, but closes in the same year
  • 1813 Distilling restarts under Spears Mitchell & Co.
  • 1819 The firm is dissolved, but the distillery continues on under Thomas Spears sen. & Co.
  • 1829 Thomas Spears is sequestrated
  • 1831 Distilling resumes under Robert Spears and Son
  • 1837 Hemsworth & Co. takes over Eastbridge
  • 1844 Hemsworth & Co. is also sequestrated. Distilling resumes at an unknown date under Andrew Philp
  • 1848 Andrew Philp is sequestrated. Eastbridge’s buildings are later converted into a flour mill

Contact

Address
Kirkcaldy
Fife
United Kingdom
Map

See also

  • Dumbarton Bridge Dumbarton Bridge Dumbarton Bridge Distillery

    Dumbarton Bridge

    Malt distillery in the town of Dumbarton that briefly operated during the 19th century.

  • Rutherglen Bridge Rutherglen Bridge Rutherglen Bridge Distillery

    Rutherglen Bridge

    Lost Glasgow distillery that operated briefly at the start of the 19th century.

  • South Bridge South Bridge South Bridge Distillery

    South Bridge

    A 19th century distillery that operated on what was then the outskirts of Aberdeen.

  • East Nevay East Nevay East Nevay Distillery

    East Nevay

    This Balkeerie site was one of many short-lived and now lost farm distilleries.

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