A WHISKY distillery that featured in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen has received the green light from council planners to be transformed into a low-carbon operation.
Glasgow Whisky has received planning approval by the Highland Council to modernise and upgrade its recently acquired Speyside Distillery.
The redevelopment of the distillery is hoped to pave the way for a sustainable future for the historic site as it aims to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions in its whisky production.
Designed by distillery specialists Organic Architects, the project will incorporate the latest energy-efficient technology to reduce environmental impact while preserving the character of the site.
Established in 2009, the Helensburgh–based Organic Architects, amongst the first architects to design the “new wave” of craft whisky distilleries, projects the firm has become leading experts in environmentally friendly distilling and integrating complex process engineering with new and refurbished buildings.
Bari Reid, director at Organic Architects, said that with planning permission secured, refurbishment work for the distillery is expected to begin in June and the first spirits flowing by next year.
He said: “Energy efficiency within the whisky industry has advanced significantly since the days of Monarch of the Glen and certainly since the original distillery was built.
“With the Planning Permission now in place and the energy efficient production equipment being manufactured by specialists Forsyths, construction work is due to start in June with the first spirit flowing in early 2026.
“The plans have been carefully developed to allow us to introduce heat and water recovery systems within the distilling process, which we anticipate will lead to a 44% reduction in energy consumption per litre of alcohol produced.
“We have worked with the local authority to ensure that the character of the site is preserved, and the sensitive ecology is enhanced.”
Whisky production at Speyside Distillery began in 1956 when founder George Christie acquired the former barley mill and croft from the 1700s.
Although construction began in the 1960s, it took more than two decades to complete, with production finally starting in 1990.
Nestled at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains, the distillery is known for its picturesque setting and craft-focused approach.
Graham Taylor, director at Glasgow Whisky, said the planning consent marks an “important step” in achieving a greener future for the distillery.
He said: “We are very happy to have secured planning permission for this exciting project.
“The building will remain a Scotch whisky distillery, staying true to its heritage but embracing modern, sustainable practices.
“This redevelopment marks an important step in our commitment to a low-carbon future, supporting both the local economy and the wider whisky industry’s environmental goals.”
