Tens of millions of pounds are to be ploughed into Speyside’s whisky industry after Moray Council granted permission for The Macallan to create what it claims will become one of the world’s “most talked-about” distilleries.
Parent company Edrington, which has a base at Kinfauns and is the global name behind Perth-founded label The Famous Grouse, expects to spend around £100m on the new production and visitors’ centre at Easter Elchies, near Craigellachie.
Work on the new development is expected to start this autumn, with the reworked site due to open to the public in spring 2017.
Elgin-based construction firm Robertson has been named as preferred contractor, with Forsyths of Rothes appointed as supplier of the new stills and other distillation equipment.
Group operations director Graham Hutcheon said Edrington which is owned by a charitable trust and also counts brands like Cutty Sark, Highland Park and Brugal among its portfolio was delighted to receive the green light from councillors.
“This permission enables us to forge ahead with our work on site,” he said.
“Following a competitive tender process we have selected Robertson as our preferred contractor to deliver our new distillery and visitor centre.
“We have assembled a first-class team including internationally renowned architects Rogers, Stirk, Harbour & Partners and are confident that Robertson will complement the existing team and our aspirations for this project.”
The redeveloped site features grass-covered buildings, and will create what Edrington called “a site of major architectural significance”.
It will also allow the brand, which famously snared a lead role in the latest Bond film, to grow production as it seeks to continue to serve both domestic and growing global markets.
“Only the external appearance of the distillery will change; the exceptional quality of The Macallan, which has been produced for many years using copper stills from Forsyths, will not be compromised and the same focus on attention to detail and personal care of the whisky’s production will be upheld,” added Mr Hutcheon.
“The new distillery will undoubtedly become one of the most talked-about distilleries, not only in Speyside but globally, and we look forward to starting on site soon.”
He said that the involvement of Robertson and Forsyths led Edrington bosses to anticipate “even greater economic and employment benefits” for the Moray economy.
Robertson executive chairman Bill Robertson said that the company was “delighted and honoured” to be part of the project.
“As a local business we have worked in the whisky industry for many, many years and fully understand the aspirations of the sector,” he said.
“Perhaps more importantly we have taken the time to understand The Macallan, the business, its objectives and its reputation for high quality in all it does.
“The project will be delivered in true partnership between ourselves and The Macallan, and will result in a distillery and visitor centre which will become the benchmark for others to aspire to,” he added.