Johnnie Walker submits plans for Cardhu and Clynelish

Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker has submitted plans to enhance the “visitor experiences” at its Cardhu and Clynelish distilleries.

The plans are part of brand owner Diageo’s £150 million investment in the Johnnie Walker brand, which also include a visitor centre in Edinburgh.

Cardhu will become the “Speyside home” of Johnnie Walker and Clynelish the “Highland home” according to a statement.

At Cardhu there are plans for “significant” new landscaping around the distillery, including the planting of an orchard.

Laura Sharp, Cardhu Distillery’s brand home manager, said: “This is an important step in our plans for the distillery. We have already shared our initial plans with the local community and now we look forward to working with local stakeholders as we progress the planning process.

“Speyside a hugely important part of the Scotch whisky tourism map and we are very excited by the plans for Cardhu, which we believe will bring new visitors to the distillery and to the region.”

At Clynelish meanwhile the work will be more extensive with a new upper floor being added to the distillery for visitors and a new bar and tasting area with views of the Sutherland coast.

Jacqueline James-Bow, Clynelish Distillery’s brand home manager, said: “This is another significant milestone on our journey to transform the visitor experience at Clynelish.

“We have seen great growth in tourism over recent years with the NC500 bringing new visitors to the Highlands. We believe the investment we are making at the distillery will create a major new attraction and help bring more tourists to this part of the world in the future.”

Subject to planning permission being approved, work is expected to start later this year and be finished by late 2020.