Introducing the Lochlea Kite

The drive to Lochlea is one of rolling green hills and farmland, with the occasional pheasant or sheep on the road. The distillery itself is tucked away in a small sheltered valley, and you could be easily fooled into thinking we were miles from the nearest coast.

However, just a 15 minute drive from our distillery lies Troon Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Scotland for water sports. Here you’ll find everything from sailing clubs to kayaking and kitesurfing, and with scenic views across to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran, it’s understandable why this area attracts visitors year-round.

Watersports aren’t the only activity Ayrshire is known for. The Open Championship begins today, this year taking place at Royal Troon Golf Club. With it set to be a busy week for Troon and the surrounding area, we’ve teamed up with Kitesurf Scotland to create a Lochlea kite to be surfed over the summer months.

Kitesurf Scotland is the leading kitesurf school in Scotland, based at both Troon and Barassie Beach, and run by Grant Clayton. With two decades of experience in the water, Grant manages a team of instructors who provide lessons for all abilities.

Grant has taken the Lochlea kite out on the water almost every day for the past few weeks, describing it as a “real head turner” - and we agree! With a forecast of strong winds over the weekend of The Open, Grant is very excited to surf the kite along the coast of Troon.

Whether you’re heading to Ayrshire for the golf, or watching it on the t.v. from the comfort of your own home, be sure to keep an eye out for Grant and the Lochlea kite riding the waves!