BUILDING WORK is expected to start in March on Scotland’s newest multimillion-pound micro distillery at a derelict steading on the Cambo Estate near St Andrews.
The Wemyss family has announced it will shortly begin building a new single malt whisky distillery and visitor centre by Kingsbarns.
It has been confirmed the £3 million project is on course following the securing of a £670,000 grant from the Scottish Government.
The Kingsbarns Distillery will be built within sight of the Kingsbarns championship golf course, on land which will be leased from Sir Peter Erskine of the Cambo Estate.
The site of the distillery will be the historic East Newhall Farm steading.
It is expected development of the existing listed building will begin within two months, with a view to beginning distilling and welcoming visitors within 18 months.
The Wemyss family has links with the whisky industry going back to the turn of the 19th century, when John Haig (founder of Haig’s) built his first distillery on Wemyss land, and since 2005 with the independent bottler Wemyss Malts.
The Wemyss family also has a historical link with the site, as the seventh Earl of Wemyss owned part of the Cambo Estate between 1759 and 1783.
William Wemyss, on behalf of the family, said: “This rare opportunity to distil our own single malt whisky and develop a new Scotch whisky brand to support our existing business as an independent bottler will secure the family interest in Scotch for the next generation.
“We are delighted to be working with the Scottish Government, Sir Peter Erskine and Kingsbarns Distillery founder Doug Clement.”
The Wemyss family’s historic family seat is Wemyss Castle, where they have lived since the 1300s.
The family already own Wemyss Malts, an independent bottler with a whisky range including blended malt whiskies the Spice King, the Peat Chimney and the Hive, single malt single cask bottlings and also the recently launched 15-year-old blended Lord Elcho, named after one of the family’s ancestors.
The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include boutique gin Darnley’s View and the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Class in Cotes de Provence.
malexander@thecourier.co.uk