Classic Scottish drinks firm to be reborn as whisky after planning green lit

PLANS for a new whisky distillery in Aberdeen have been given the green light.

The Bon Accord Distillery is set to be built on the city’s Greyhope Road in the Balnagask area and will create a “lasting legacy”, developers say. They added that the "new venture will rise on the historic site of the original Bon Accord Drinks factory".

Approving the plans, which were submitted to Aberdeen City Council last year, officials said it would see “the sustainable re-use of the land, providing a tourism and employment use in a location that is accessible using sustainable and active travel, enhancing the vitality and viability of the area”.

Developers said that the vision is for the Bon Accord Distillery “to be a source of pride for Aberdonians” and will include an area showcasing local food businesses and produce “as well as quality whisky made on site”.

Impression of what Aberdeen's new Bon Accord distillery will look like once completed (Image: Supplied) In a press release, they went on: “The site on Greyhope Road, where generations of Aberdonians fondly recall the Bon Accord Drinks factory, will now be transformed into a state-of-the-art distillery, blending innovation with tradition.

“The project seeks to honour the legacy of the Bon Accord name while contributing to the Highland region’s ever-evolving whisky industry.”

Davis Gonnella, the brand director of Bon Accord Distillery, said: "This project is about more than just whisky. It’s about creating a lasting legacy for the city, providing jobs, and contributing to the local economy.

"We are delighted to bring the Bon Accord name back to life in a way that reflects both Aberdeen’s storied past and its promising future.”

The new distillery will also be joining forces with Aberdeen-based brewers Fierce Beer, and The new distillery will also be joining forces with well-known brewers Fierce Beer and has recruited award-winning chef John Chomba as managing director.

Dave McHardy, director of Fierce Beer, said: "We are delighted to be involved in the new distillery, it will be a fantastic addition to the food and drink scene in Aberdeen.

“We've worked with Davis and the team over the last few years and it's great to be involved with the project, where we can contribute our experience from building up Fierce Beer, to help make this a success.”

Bon Accord Drinks was founded in the early 1900s and delivered fizzy pop to people's homes, before closing in 2000.

It has been revived as a healthier drinks business, led by founder Thomas Robb’s great, great granddaughter Karen Knowles.