This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Plans submitted for Highland whisky distillery
Ardross Investments has submitted plans to Scotland’s Highland Council to convert a 19th-century farm into a new whisky distillery and tasting lodge.
An artist’s impression of the new distillery at Ardross Mains, near Alness
If successful, the application to build a distillery at Ardross Mains, near Alness, withh see production will start in the summer of 2018, according to a planning application submitted to The Highland Council in October.
According to its application, the company’s vision for the site is to create a “very high quality niche whisky”, creating jobs for up to 15 workers.
“The idea was a mix of new build and conversion of the existing buildings to form a new distillery with a tasting lodge for potential buyers,” the application read.
“The aim is to commence production in the summer of 2018. While the distillery will be new it will use traditional process methods in a high quality environment appropriate to the aspirations of the new whisky. It is envisaged that working at full capacity the distillery will produce up to approx. 1,000000 litres per annum.”
A tasting lodge would be constructed to the north of the distillery overlooking Loch Dubh, along with workers’ houses, office space and warehouses. According to the application, the distillery will be comparable in size and style to Ballindalloch distillery in Moray.
Speaking to Scotland’s Press and Journal, Peter Allen, chairman of Ardross community council, said: “The buildings there have been in poor condition for about 30 years. They just fell into disrepair and have become a bit of an eyesore, so this is a good thing for these properties.
“There will likely be a lot more jobs created during construction but when they had a meeting with us they were speaking about 12 permanent jobs. There had been a bit of concern regarding traffic because it’s a single track road, but they gave us a fair answer in that there would be far more traffic going in and out if it was a housing development. Everyone is quite positive about the plans.”
The council’s planning committee will now consider the application following consultation with members of the public.
If approved, the distillery will start production in summer 2018.