Gin distillery nominated for Shed of the Year

A shed which houses a gin distillery and another inspired by the Carpathians are the two Scottish entries in this year’s Shed of the Year contest.

The Inshriach Distillery owned by Walter Micklethwait. Picture: submitted

A total of 2,520 sheds were put forward for the annual contest with the top four sheds in each of the eight categories featuring in TV show ‘Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year’.

Owned by Walter Micklethwait from Aviemore in Scotland, Inshriach Distillery was once a dilapidated hen house, which has been converted into a fully functioning distillery which produces the Crossbill Gin brand.

Walter’s Shed is also a farm shop which sells carved items, eggs and produce, a saloon bar and a velour upholstered piano bar. Made out of mostly recycled items including parts of an old dismantled railway station, the Inshriach Distillery has a unique charm and is home to regular parties.

The Inshriach Distillery owned by Walter Micklethwait. Picture: submitted

The other Scottish entry is Cormacs Bothy in Fort William. Situated within a forest, Cormacs Bothy is inspired by vernacular architecture of the Carpathians and is built using low grade forest timber, windblown oak and traditional natural preservatives. Used as a work shelter space and retreat for friends, the shed contains a bed and a tin bath.

Voting to determine the category winners, and who goes through to the next round opens today via www.readersheds.co.uk. The public will have until midday on 29th May to cast their vote on who they think deserves the title of best Eco, Normal, Pub, Workshop & Studio, Unique, Cabin & Summerhouse, Historical and Budget shed.

The winner will receive £1,000 courtesy of sponsors Cuprinol along with a wooden plaque, £100 worth of Cuprinol products and a giant crown for their shed.