ONE of the world’s leading alcohol companies has secured council approval to launch a whisky distillery at Inveraray Castle Estate.
Stock Spirits is planning to produce two million litres a year from its site at the former walled garden, where there will also be a visitor centre, tasting rooms and a bar.
Argyll and Bute Council planning officials have granted planning permission, saying the proposal tied in with its local development plan.
Torquhil Campbell, the 13th Duke of Argyll and Chief of Clan Campbell, is a staunch supporter of the Scotch whisky industry and welcomed the development.
Stock Spirits, which began as a small company in Trieste, Italy, in 1884, has grown significantly over the years and aims to enhance the flavours of life by offering great products so that all good things can be enjoyed, savoured and shared.
In its application to the council, the company said: “This new single malt distillery will be called Inveraray Distillery and we will produce a single malt whisky at Inveraray Distillery. This single malt will also be used in the Clan Campbell blend.”
The business said it believed its proposed visitor centre would become a major local tourist attraction, encouraging visitors to remain in the area even longer.
The development will also bring business and jobs to the area.
The distillery and visitor centre will create more than 20 full-time equivalent posts and will be built in cooperation with local companies and suppliers.
Stock Spirits said the site will be developed using the latest building methods and environmentally friendly solutions, ensuring carbon neutrality from day one.
It noted: “Inveraray Castle and Clan Campbell are inextricably linked, with the castle having been the Argyll family seat since the 15th century. Single malt Scotch whisky being distilled in the grounds will be a significant positive development for the local community, the castle and Clan Campbell.”
The estate is blessed with a plentiful supply of excellent water, which is an essential component of the distilling process.
