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Work starts on eye-catching new whisky distillery by Grantown


By Gavin Musgrove

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Work has started this week on a new whisky distillery on the doorstep of Grantown.

Gordon & MacPhail, the family-owned company behind the venture, has given its contractor the green light to move on site now the construction sector has been given permission to open.

The start of the big money project expected to eventually employ up to 20 people eventually follows the easing of lockdown on the building industry during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority's planning committee gave approval last year for the distillery which will be built on the banks of the River Spey at Lower Gaich by Craggan.

Earlier this year the company had taken the decision to delay the project due to the Covid-19 although work had continued on preparatory and technical issues.

Gordon & MacPhail first announced the plan to build a new distillery in 2018 and has held a pre-application public consultation on the plans in Grantown since.

Managing Director Ewen Mackintosh said: “We know these are difficult times, but whisky is, and always will be, a long-term business.

"What we decide today will determine what products will be available in 10, 20 and even 50 years.

"This new distillery is very much part of our plan to develop a sustainable business for future generations to prosper.”

The company has appointed Morrison Construction as the main contractor with Rothes based Forsyths Ltd providing and installing all the operational equipment.

Mr Mackintosh said: “These appointments are the next major milestone in delivering this long-term project for the company. We look forward to working with these established businesses who are both highly experienced in their own field.

“We were delighted to gain approval from the Cairngorms National Park Authority and we were particularly pleased by their comments about the quality of the application and the process we have followed.

"We plan to continue that same approach to quality during construction.”

Donald McLachlan, Morrison Construction’s managing director for Building Highland, said: “Our local team has an excellent track record in producing high quality distillery and visitor experience buildings throughout the region.

"We are delighted that the client has entrusted us with such a high-profile project in such a stunning location and we look forward to working with them to create a memorable destination for whisky enthusiasts.”

Richard Forsyth, managing director of Forsyths added: “As a fellow longstanding Moray family business, Forsyths is delighted to be awarded the process contract for Gordon & MacPhail’s new distillery.

"We look forward to delivering a first-class production facility.”

It is the first distillery to be built in the Cairngorms National park since its designation in 2003.

A family-owned business, Gordon & MacPhail has built an in-depth knowledge and expertise in Scotch whisky over 125 years and owns Benromach Distillery near Forres.

After unveiling their plans last year, they were overwhelmed by the positive response from the local community.

Mr Mackintosh said: “We’ve been really heartened by the warm welcome we have received locally.

“As a family-owned business located in the north of Scotland we are very much rooted in our communities and we are keen to develop strong relationships in Grantown and the

surrounding area.”

The eye-catching modern design of the distillery includes tasting rooms, a visitor centre with retail space and a coffee shop.

The building has been designed to take full advantage of the outstanding views across the Spey to the Cairngorms.

The circular nature of the building will disguise much of the day to day working area within the service yard and sedum roofs will allow the buildings to blend into the surrounding environment.

In 1993, the Urquhart family realised a long held ambition when Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery.

The company spent five years re-equipping it, before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

They aim to build on the success of Benromach, with the second distillery forming an important part of the company’s plans for growth.


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