Plans have been approved for the first of several new distilleries to be built in Campbeltown.
The architects behind the new distillery - Witchburn Distillery - are Organic Architects, who have become leading experts in environmentally friendly distilling.
Witchburn Distillery plans to create around 30 new jobs in all areas, including production, warehousing and distribution, over the next few years. Production is set to commence in the last quarter of 2024.
Campbeltown was once home to dozens of distilleries, but now only three remain. The approval of this net zero carbon distillery is the first to be approved by Argyll and Bute council. The distillery is owned by Glasgow-based independent bottler and blender Brave New Spirits.
Commenting on the approved plans, Bari Reid, director of Organic Architects, said: “The distillery will be located at the disused RAF airbase in Machrihanish and will be powered by 100% green renewable energy sources and the latest in heat and energy recovery systems, making Witchburn one of the most environmentally friendly distilleries in Scotland. Capable of producing two million litres of alcohol a year, the distillery will operate 24/7 to ensure that it keeps reusing as much heat and energy as possible.
“Working with the local authority to get this application through the system relatively quickly means the Campbeltown renaissance can now move from paper to reality. Distilling is the perfect opportunity for the adaptive reuse of a building like this which has struggled to find a purpose, bringing highly skilled jobs into a fragile rural economy.”
