Whisky distillery by Grantown moves another step closer
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Plans for an eye-catching whisky distillery on the doorstep of Grantown have moved another step forward.
Planning permission was granted subject to conditions in autumn last year for a new distillery at Lower Gaich and the end of 2020 had been targeted as a potential start date for production by Speymalt Whisky Distributions Ltd.
However, the project has since been held up by a land issue that has now been resolved and then the coronavirus outbreak.
But Cairngorms National Park Authority chief planner Gavin Miles revealed at today's planning committee meeting that another milestone had been reached.
He said: "The decision notice for the distillery outside of Grantown was issued on Monday of this week and the applicant also provided a lot of details for conditions which required to be discharged so that is good news."
The company, which trades as Gordon & MacPhail, said recently it had been forced to pause the start of construction work at the site but was continuing to progress other aspects of the project.
Ewen Mackintosh, managing director at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “These are extraordinary times which are incredibly upsetting and difficult for individuals and businesses around the world.
“We took the tough decision to delay construction work on site but will use this time to progress all the other elements that are required with such a large project.
“We look forward to starting construction work when we can and seeing the new distillery get off the ground."
A company spokeswoman confirmed at the time: “The start of work on site has been delayed but the design team will still continue all the technical work in the background.
“This will mean that everything is in place to begin building when circumstances allow.
The eye-catching development could eventually lead to 20 jobs and support up to 100 construction positions.
As well as the unusual main distillery building,approved plans includes a visitor centre, warehouse, car parking, new road junction and associated infrastructure and landscaping.
Production will be in the region of 375,000 litres of spirit per year increasing over time to a maximum capacity of two million litres per year. The visitor centre aims to attract up to 50,000 visitors per year
The distiller is also the owner of Benromach Distillery and Red Door Gin.
