Scottish Parliament debate endorses Heriot-Watt vision for brewing and distilling

The Scottish Parliament has debated the vision for Heriot-Watt University’s proposed Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling, recognising both the university’s long-standing contribution to brewing and distilling and the opportunity the new centre presents for the future of the sector.

The members’ business debate took place in the Chamber on 12 November 2025, following the lodging of motion S6M-18527 by Gordon MacDonald MSP. The motion welcomed Heriot-Watt’s commitment to raise £35 million for a new Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling, describing it as a new state-of-the-art evolution of the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling and recognising the university’s impact on brewing and distilling for more than 120 years.

The motion also highlighted the proposed centre’s role in embracing green technologies and sustainable practices, while commending the first-class teaching, innovation and sustainable methods of working at Heriot-Watt’s International Centre for Brewing and Distilling. It noted the university’s contribution to brewing and distilling not only in Scotland, but across Europe, the Americas and Asia.

Opening the debate, Gordon MacDonald MSP said there was a “clear and well-documented need” for a dedicated new centre in Edinburgh, pointing to growing industry demand for environmental innovation, lower-carbon production, clean energy transition and circular economy practices. He described the proposal as an investment in “skills, innovation and community, and in Scotland’s global reputation”, and called for continued support from industry and policymakers to help realise the vision.

Responding for the Scottish Government, Minister for Higher and Further Education Ben Macpherson said: “Ensuring that brewing and distilling remain not just legacies but areas of future success will depend on knowledge, skills and innovation—areas in which our universities are uniquely placed to excel.” He added that, through the proposed Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling, “Heriot-Watt University will have the capacity to do even more.”

The debate reinforced Heriot-Watt’s distinctive place in the sector. Since 1903, the university has trained generations of brewers and distillers, and since 1989 the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling has connected academic excellence with practical industry application. Together, that heritage has helped establish Heriot-Watt as a globally recognised voice in brewing and distilling education, research and innovation.

For Heriot-Watt, the parliamentary debate represents another important moment in building awareness and support for the proposed centre. The university’s vision is for a globally connected hub that brings together industry collaboration, talent development and the research needed to support a sector that must remain resilient in every sense of the word, from carbon and resource pressures to operational resilience and the long-term sustainability of skills and expertise.

Professor Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal for Business and Enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, said: “It is hugely encouraging to see the Scottish Parliament recognise both the importance of brewing and distilling to Scotland and the role Heriot-Watt can play in helping shape the sector’s future. Our vision for the Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling is about giving industry a place to work with academia on the challenges and opportunities ahead; from innovation and skills to resilience, decarbonisation and long-term competitiveness.”

As Heriot-Watt continues to engage industry, government and supporters around the vision, the debate offered clear recognition of the role the university can play in helping shape a more resilient future for brewing and distilling; one rooted in heritage, but designed for the realities of the decades ahead.

Find out more about Heriot-Watt’s vision for the Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling.