PLANS have been unveiled for a £25 million malt whisky distillery to be built at a Scottish castle.
Argyll Estates and European spirits company, Stock Spirits Group – owner of the Clan Campbell whisky brand – have lodged a planning application notification with Argyll and Bute Council for the construction of the distillery at Inveraray Castle.
Clan Campbell is a blended Scotch whisky and the plan is to produce a single malt in the new distillery which could be used in the Clan Campbell blend.
It is one of the leading Scotch whisky brands in France is also available in other European markets.
In total it sells 1.2m nine litre cases in Europe and has recently been launched in Germany and the Czech Republic with future plans to offer it elsewhere.
The proposal is to build a 950 square metre distillery, capable of producing up to two million litres of alcohol per annum within the grounds of Inveraray Castle.
Local people will be consulted on the plans as part of the process and will have the opportunity to comment on them.
The distillery will also include a visitor centre which is expected to become a major local tourist attraction.
It is also hoped that the new site will help create more than 20 full-time equivalent jobs for local people.
Jean-Christophe Coutures, chief executive of Stock Spirits Group, said: “Clan Campbell Scotch whisky is an iconic brand that has established strong links with the Duke of Argyll.
“I am proud that our company has the opportunity to establish a distillery near Inveraray Castle.
This investment is an important step for the group towards having its own single malt whisky production, which will strengthen the Clan Campbell brand and Stock Spirits’ presence in this growing category.
“Our state-of-the-art Inveraray distillery will be equipped with the latest technologies, including those that are environmentally friendly.
“Its creation will also benefit the local community in the form of new jobs. We look forward to working with Argyll Estates on this next chapter in the Clan Campbell story.”
