Highland Gin Distillery Wins 2015 Shed Title

An old hen house with a gin distillery, farm shop and ladies' waiting room has been crowned Shed of the Year.

The once dilapidated outhouse in Aviemore was transformed by Walter Micklethwait, 36, into a quirky party venue.

Inshriach Distillery has four rooms including: a general store farm shop which sells vintage clothing, food, postcards and hand-carved items; a ladies' waiting room with a piano and arm chairs; a saloon; and a bar with a functioning distillery.

The shed beat 2,520 other entries to win the prestigious title, including a mobile miniature railway wagon, a floating beach hut and a corrugated cottage which was used by land girls during the Second World War.

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.

"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.''

A majority public vote determined the winner for the first time because the panel of judges were unable to decide between the Inshriach Distillery and Owl House sheds.

The winner was announced on the final episode of Channel 4's Amazing Spaces: Shed Of The Year on Sunday night.

Mr Micklethwait will receive £1,000 courtesy of the sponsor, Cuprinol, as well as £100 worth of Cuprinol products, a winner's plaque and a giant crown for the shed.

British architect George Clarke, who presents the programme, said: "The nation's love for transforming their garden shed to an extension of the home is really on trend right now.

"People are embracing the fascinating world of sheds like never before as the TV show highlighted some of the most creative, beautiful and unusual sheds in the country, as well as allowing me to meet the talented people behind their creations.''