Height of Arrows Gin

Working with the team at Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh, we delivered the name, brand identity, packaging and art direction for Height of Arrows, their much-anticipated gin release. Having established a bold direction for Holyrood’s parent brand, we were keen to roll out our thinking into the product range, and when the opportunity arose to tell the story of their latest gin we were impressed by their boundary-breaking approach.

Why Height of Arrows? It’s a nod to Ard-na-Said, the Gaelic name for Arthur’s Seat, the hill which sits in the centre of Edinburgh, which at 251m was said to be the maximum height an archer could fire an arrow. Given the Holyrood team’s ambition to aim higher, not to mention their enviable location in the dramatic shadows of this Edinburgh landmark, it felt right from the start.

Building on the distinctive name, brand story and striking brand identity, we then worked in collaboration with Holyrood’s product development team on a bespoke bottle design. Through initial research we learned of an historic glass manufacturer, Cooper and Woods of Portobello, whose sea-aged bottles continue to wash ashore to this day. Inspired by this discovery, we landed upon a tactile green sea-glass effect which gives a nod to the distinctive texture of the spirit and serves as a reminder of Edinburgh’s enviable location between hill and sea.

To ensure it further stands out in the crowded gin marketplace, the bottle profile is robust yet clean, with unique shelf-appeal — drawing on the forms of traditional drinking canteens. Indeed, the gently sloping shoulders subtly reference the iconic summit of Arthur’s Seat itself, making it the perfect symbol of our city. Following its release, Height of Arrows went on to be recognised with multiple awards including Gin of the Year by Whisky Exchange, New Product of the Year by Scottish Gin Awards, medals at the IWSC and ISC and Gold at the World Gin Awards.