The Economic Impact Assessment highlights the potential benefits of the state-of-the-art facility, which builds upon Heriot-Watt's long-standing expertise in brewing and distilling education and research, dating back to 1903. Within a decade, the Centre for Advanced Brewing and Distilling (CABD) is estimated to contribute £324.8 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) and support 1,570 jobs across Scotland. The report suggests a strong return on investment, with every £1 of public funding potentially generating £20.80 in economic benefit.
This new centre aims to continue the success of Heriot-Watt's International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD), which has been a vital support to the sector for nearly 40 years. In the 2024/25 period alone, the ICBD is estimated to have generated £240.1 million GVA and supported 1,180 jobs for the Scottish economy. The university is seeking £25.3 million from industry and £9.7 million in public investment to establish the CABD.
The proposed investment will facilitate the creation of additional capacity, advanced facilities, and a collaborative environment crucial for fostering innovation, skills development, and sustainable growth within the brewing, distilling, and associated supply chains. The CABD is envisioned to house new plug-and-play brewing and distilling equipment, advanced research laboratories, space for low-carbon technology development, a raw materials laboratory, a product quality and innovation laboratory, a sensory suite, and facilities for carbon capture and renewable energy integration.
The assessment underscores the urgency of timely investment, noting that current facilities are increasingly unable to meet the growing demand from both students and industry. The new centre is expected to safeguard and expand Heriot-Watt's established role in supporting Scotland's brewing and distilling sector, ensuring capacity for future skills, research, and innovation.
“"BiGGAR Economics’ independent assessment provides a huge vote of confidence in our vision for a new Centre for Advanced Brewing and Distilling."
Professor Chris Turney, Deputy Principal of Research and Innovation at Heriot-Watt University, stated that the assessment validates their vision, noting that graduates from the ICBD have founded nearly 30 active brewing and distilling businesses in Scotland, which added an estimated £79.4 million to the economy and supported 520 jobs in 2024-2025. He added, "Our vision is firmly grounded in economic reality. Now we can build a new era for brewing and distilling, driven by sustainability and excellence, and keep Scotland where it belongs: a global leader in both."
“"What this economic impact assessment demonstrates is the potential value to Scotland and the UK that Heriot-Watt University can deliver with a commitment from government to back this new world-class facility."
Ewan Andrew, Diageo’s President Global Supply Chain & Procurement and Chief Sustainability Officer and co-chair of Heriot-Watt’s CABD fundraising committee, emphasised the potential value to Scotland and the UK, stating, "Together, industry investment, philanthropy, government and academic excellence can build resilience and growth opportunities at a speed and scale none of us can achieve alone."
The report arrives as the brewing and distilling sector faces significant long-term challenges, including the transition to net zero, water usage, rising input costs, and skills shortages. Shona Glenn, Director at BiGGAR Economics, commented on the ICBD's historical role in sustaining the sector and highlighted how the CABD would provide a bespoke facility to meet industry needs and foster collaboration, ensuring a continued pipeline of talent and innovation.
