Texaport blends technology with hospitality to assist Distillery in launching whisky brand

The challenge

Paddy and Ian’s challenge was one of scale, function, and style combined. In their quest to break new ground in Scotch whisky production, the two founders were building a hugely ambitious, multi-purpose distillery with large, versatile spaces throughout.

First and foremost, their site will house the whisky production process - reimagined vertically. But Ian and Paddy’s business model relies on the profits from tours, retail and hospitality to keep the production running smoothly. They are planning to host events and tastings, as well as private functions, right alongside the milling, mashing, fermentation and distilling.

They needed a practical and user-friendly Audio Visual solution across the premises that would enhance the experience of moving around the impressive space, while blending seamlessly into the background. They required a plan for data cabling, distributed wireless throughout the building as well as 24/7 CCTV monitoring for the entire site - and all of this had to be designed and installed within a structure that was very much still under construction.

The solution

Keeping the building’s multiple functions front of mind was key. We spent time at the outset gaining a clear and deep understanding of Port of Leith Distillery’s business, priorities and expectations, to devise technology solutions that would do exactly what they needed.

We provided a resilient internet solution to increase the reliability and availability of connectivity at the site. We implemented a wireless distribution system to ensure that Wi-Fi is accessible and strong no matter where you are in the building. We managed the design and layout of the data cabling to create a robust network that would become the foundation for the smart AV solutions that were to follow.

In collaboration with Sound Council and Hubbub, we decided that bespoke pendant speakers would best meet Ian and Paddy’s brief. We installed these elegant, powerful speakers in the penthouse bar, restaurant, and event spaces to create an atmosphere without blocking vistas or impeding the movement of people. To match this, we fitted top-of-the-line smart, 4K TVs in the conference and event-hosting rooms.

Everything about Port of Leith Distillery is high end - including its look. We worked together with the architects to ensure that our AV hardware was in keeping with the building’s aesthetic and that the Wi-Fi access points complemented their design ethos.

Reflecting the importance of hospitality to Port of Leith Distillery’s business, we provided Point of Sale consultancy, introducing a new system in the retail spaces and rooftop bar. And to fulfil the CCTV requirement, we selected smart 360 cameras which draw on AI technology to sweep the surveillance area detect motion and track objects. This prevents blind spots and enables safe monitoring of all personnel around the site.

The results

Texaport’s second phase for The Port of Leith Distillery represented technology consultancy in its purest sense: we grasped the core of the problem and applied our expertise to solve it in a way that enriched the experience for Port of Leith Distillery’s guests, putting the production and drinking of whisky centre stage.

We’re proud to have championed Port of Leith Distillery in the development of their business, strengthening our existing relationship. As a passionate Edinburgh firm ourselves, Texaport are committed to seeing the professional community in our city grow and flourish.

Port of Leith Distillery are expecting 25,000 visitors in their first year alone. Thanks to Texaport’s innovative and intuitive solutions, the experience of every guest will be elevated and memorable.