The Scotch Whisky Experience (SWE) in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, has embarked on a £2m refurbishment.

The SWE is introducing touch, taste, sound and smell to its existing Scotch Whisky Tour to make the experience more sensory for visitors. The £600,000 revamp is due for completion in February 2007.

The existing barrel ride will also be completely overhauled to provide a more entertaining presentation on whisky production in Scotland. The £1m refurbishment is due for completion at the start of 2008.

The organisation has already spent £400,000 on improvements to the attraction’s frontage, which now features a glass entrance and LED-lit window displays.

SWE’s managing director, Alastair McIntosh, said: “We want to become a truly world class attraction, while improving people’s understanding and appreciation of Scotch whisky. We expect the investment to have a positive impact on tourism in Scotland, as well as the entire Scotch whisky industry.”

In addition, the centre is embarking on a re-branding campaign, which will feature a new name and logos.

The attraction was launched in 1987 by 19 Scotch whisky companies, which jointly invested £2m to create a permanent exhibition on the history and development of Scotch whisky. Details: www.whisky-heritage.co.uk