Proposed £35m Innovation Hub Could Boost Scotland’s Economy
A proposed £35 million brewing and distilling innovation hub at Heriot-Watt University could generate an additional £53.4 million annually for Scotland’s economy, according to an independent economic assessment by BiGGAR Economics.
The planned Centre for Advanced Brewing and Distilling (CABD), which would be based at the university’s Edinburgh campus, aims to strengthen Scotland’s position as a global leader in brewing and distilling through advanced research, industry collaboration and sustainable technology.
The report estimates that, within ten years, the centre could support a total annual economic impact of £324.8 million in gross value added (GVA) and 1,570 jobs across Scotland.
Investment to Support Brewing and Distilling Innovation
Heriot-Watt University is seeking to secure £25.3 million in industry investment alongside £9.7 million in public funding to deliver the proposed facility.
The investment would provide additional capacity, specialist equipment and a collaborative environment designed to support research, skills development and sustainable growth across brewing, distilling and their wider supply chains.
The university’s expertise in brewing and distilling education dates back to 1903. The proposed centre would build on this established foundation, helping businesses develop new products, improve production processes and respond to changing industry demands.
Advanced Facilities and Low-Carbon Technology
The Centre for Advanced Brewing and Distilling would bring together specialist equipment and research facilities to address the sector’s evolving technical and environmental challenges.
Plans include new plug-and-play brewing and distilling equipment, advanced research laboratories, a raw materials laboratory and a product quality and innovation laboratory. A dedicated sensory suite would also support product development and evaluation.
The proposed facility would additionally provide space for low-carbon technology development, carbon capture and renewable energy integration, helping businesses explore ways to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
By bringing researchers and industry partners together, the centre aims to accelerate innovation and strengthen the competitiveness of Scotland’s brewing and distilling businesses.
Existing Businesses Already Deliver Economic Benefits
Heriot-Watt University’s existing International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD) has helped develop talent and support new businesses across Scotland for decades.
Professor Chris Turney, deputy principal of research and innovation at Heriot-Watt University, highlighted the contribution of graduates who have founded nearly 30 active brewing and distilling businesses in Scotland.
During the 2024–2025 period alone, these businesses contributed an estimated £79.4 million to the Scottish economy and supported 520 jobs.
The university believes the proposed centre would build on this success by providing the specialist facilities needed to encourage further research, business creation and industry-wide collaboration.
Industry and Government Collaboration Key to Delivery
Support from industry, government, philanthropy and academia will be central to securing the investment required to deliver the proposed innovation hub.
Ewan Andrew, Diageo’s president of global supply chain and procurement and chief sustainability officer, and co-chair of Heriot-Watt’s CABD fundraising committee, said the assessment demonstrated the potential value the university could deliver for Scotland and the wider UK.
He emphasised the importance of bringing together industry investment, government support and academic expertise to create opportunities for long-term economic growth.
Shona Glenn, director at BiGGAR Economics, said the existing centre had played an important role in sustaining Scotland’s brewing and distilling sector by developing talent and supporting innovative new businesses.
She added that the proposed facility could increase research and innovation activity while maintaining the skilled workforce needed to support the industry’s future.
A Potential New Chapter for Scotland’s Brewing and Distilling Sector
If delivered, the £35 million Centre for Advanced Brewing and Distilling could provide Scotland’s brewing and distilling industries with a dedicated platform for research, technology development and collaboration.
With the economic assessment projecting an annual impact of £324.8 million within ten years, the proposal highlights the potential role of specialist research facilities in supporting skilled employment, business growth and sustainable manufacturing.
The next step will be securing the required funding to turn the proposed development into a new centre for brewing and distilling innovation.
Source: Project Scotland.
Image source: Project Scotland.