The discovery tour starts with a gin and tonic (naturally!) and covers the history of the Hydro, before you are introduced to Felicity and the distillation process at 1881 distillery. After that you’ll get 4 tasters of 1881 gin and even better, a 20cl bottle of 1881 London Dry classic gin to take away and a 10% discount in the shop. Situated South of Edinburgh in Peebles, the Hydropathic hotel or ‘hydro’ is where 1881 Gin Distillery is based. The hotel was built in 1881, hence the name for the distillery. The hotel was set high above the town and offered therapeutic treatments – the source of which was Peeble Hydro’s very own spring – Shieldgreen.

There are four 1881 gins available in two sizes of 70cl and 20cl, including London Dry, Pavilion Pink and Subtly Smoked. The fourth gin, Navy Strength at 57% ABV is stronger than the others at 40%, and is named after the Dutch sailors of the 18th century who were known to drink gin for ‘Dutch courage’ before going into battle. Four 1881 gins have been included in the new range, with London Dry, Pavilion Pink, Subtly Smoked and the Navy Strength available in two sizes - 70cl and 20cl.Over 170 gins will now go head to head across 20 categories, with 56 producers from across Scotland being named as finalists.

Surely the best part of learning about how gin is made is learning about where it comes from and what inspired the distillers to make it in the first place - and on the Isle of Skye, which surely one of the most beautiful parts of the country, it's readily apparent.Can’t make it to Peebles Hydro? Have the 1881 Gin Bus head to you.1881 Gin has a new mode of transport and it’s ready to make an appearance at your wedding, festival or family gathering. Their Gin School is the largest residential gin school in the UK whereyou’ll find 26 individual copper stills neatly lined in rows and glass jars brimming with botanicals. A tour can be taken around the distillery, in which visitors can learn all about the history of Peebles Hydro, all things gin and can get up close to the school’s copper still (Felicity) which makes up to 220 bottles of 1881 gin every day. Budding distillers can also indulge in their own unique gin distiller experience, in which they can enjoy a distilling class, creating and crafting their very own gin.

Gin fans can take a look at this year's best Scottish gins after the finalists in the 6th annual Scottish Gin Awards were revealed. Make a date to catch up on missed celebrations and enjoy a relaxing overnight stay at Ednam House. Birthdays, anniversaries, engagements – whatever the milestone, Ednam offers something for everyone.Discover wonderful wildlife tours to book and experience in Scotland, including bird watching safaris, whale watching, farm tours and much more! In 1881, after three years of construction, Peebles Hydro was built to be a hydropathic hotel due to its very own private spring - Shieldgreen. Today, the draw is rather different: Shieldgreen now supplies the gleaming copper stills of their very own gin and tonic: 1881 Gin and Tonic 81. To bring the best out of these premium gins, four tonic waters have also been created – Tonic 81. All using the same water source, these include Premium, Light, Pink grapefruit and Elderflower. When it comes to accommodation in Scotland, there's a fantastic choice of amazing stays from luxury hotels to glamping getaways.