Where Heritage Meets Innovation

For more than a century, Heriot-Watt University has stood at the heart of brewing and distilling excellence. Our legacy dates back to 1903, when we became the first UK university to offer formal brewing education; a milestone that helped set the standard for academic rigour, industry relevance and practical innovation in the sector.

Since then, we have trained generations of brewers, distillers, scientists and industry leaders, many of whom have gone on to shape renowned brands, strengthen global supply chains and support the continued growth of premium spirits and craft brewing markets worldwide.

That heritage matters because the sector is once again at a defining moment. Brewers, distillers and supply chain partners are facing complex pressures around energy, water, raw materials, emissions, skills and global competitiveness. The solutions will require trusted collaboration, world-class science and a place where industry and academia can work side by side on challenges that no single organisation can solve alone.

That is why Heriot-Watt is developing the Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling; a major new hub designed to support the long-term resilience, innovation and competitiveness of these vital industries. More than a building, the Centre will be a platform for collaboration, bringing together research, education, enterprise and industry expertise to help shape a cleaner, smarter and more resilient future for brewing and distilling.

With support from partners, the Centre will build on Heriot-Watt’s unique heritage while creating the facilities, talent pipeline and innovation environment needed for the next century of progress.

" We are not just innovating for today’s industry. We are building the future, one that is cleaner, smarter, and more resilient for generations to come."

Professor Richard A. Williams OBE FREng FTSE FRSE Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Heriot-Watt University