Inschriach Distillery is crowned Shed of the Year 2015

The winner beat a mini railway wagon and floating beach hut to the top spot

Doug Bolton
Monday 13 July 2015 18:43 BST
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Walter Micklethwait celebrates with his winning shed
Walter Micklethwait celebrates with his winning shed (Cuprinol/PA)

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An old hen house in the Scottish Highlands that has been converted into a gin distillery has been crowned the Shed of the Year 2015, beating 2,250 others to claim the top spot.

Inschriach Distillery, a once-dilapidated outhouse, was given new life by Walter Micklethwait after he decided to turn the small space into a party venue.

The well-appointed shed features a general store and farm shop, selling vintage clothing and craft goods, a ladies' waiting room (complete with a piano and armchairs), a saloon, and a bar with a functioning gin distillery.

Others in the running included a miniature railway wagon, a floating beach hut, and a corrugated metal cottage that dates to the Second World War.

The interior of the winning shed, which beat thousands of others to claim the top spot
The interior of the winning shed, which beat thousands of others to claim the top spot (Cuprinol/PA)

The winner was announced last night, in the final episode of the Channel 4 programme, Amazing Spaces: Shed of the Year.

The final part of the competition was put to a public vote, as judges found it impossible to choose between the Inschriach Distillery and the Owl House, an eco-shed in Hightown, Merseyside.

The fully-functioning distillery inside of the winning shed
The fully-functioning distillery inside of the winning shed (Cuprinol/PA)

Delighted with his win, Mr Micklethwait said: "We were up against some proper craftsmen, brilliant eccentrics and most of all a really nice bunch of people, so it is an absolute honour to have won Shed of the Year 2015."

Inshriach Distillery, the official Shed of the Year 2015
Inshriach Distillery, the official Shed of the Year 2015 (Cuprinol/PA)

"A huge thanks to everyone who voted for us. We're now looking forward to celebrating with a gin from the distillery in our shed."

As well as the sheer honour of winning the title, Mr Micklethwait will receive £1,000 from the competition's sponsor Cuprinol, as well as £100 worth of Cuprinol products, a winner's plaque and a giant crown to stick on top of the shed.

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