Stirling Council has rejected Wolfcraig Distillers' plans for a £20m whisky distillery and visitor centre on the outskirts of Stirling.
The Local Review Body turned down the application after the plans were initially blocked due to concerns around the potential impact on businesses in the city centre.
The proposals could have created more than 50 jobs at a new site at Craigforth, according to Wolfcraig, which is now looking at alternative locations.
Co-founder Jamie Lunn responded: “We are extremely disappointed by the Local Review Body’s decision to refuse planning for the development of the distillery and visitor centre.
“We’ve been working tirelessly with the city’s local and business communities since the initial rejection in March last year to ensure the proposals would complement this thriving area as a business, a local producer and a major tourist destination.
“The distillery had the potential to inject millions into the local economy every year, and it is a shame Stirling will now be denied that opportunity.
“However, from disappointment comes opportunity,“ he continued, adding: “This is not the end - far from it.
“We are now looking at alternative locations for Wolfcraig to contribute to Scotch whisky’s rich legacy in Scotland.”
The Craigforth campus was planned for the former Prudential headquarters site, with new offices, hotels, retail units, leisure and hospitality offerings and a residential development proposed.
Wolfcraig was founded by former Whyte and Mackay Group chair and chief executive Michael Lunn, along with co-directors John Moore and Jamie Lunn.
At the start of this year, Michael Lunn, the 80-year-old whisky industry veteran, died after a short illness.
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