Eden Mill has revealed its plans to build a new distillery and brewery just metres from its current headquarters in St Andrews.

And co-founder Paul Miller hopes the extension will be operational by autumn, allowing the business to “create more innovative and pioneering products”.

The gin, whisky and beer producer will invest £4 million in the expansion project, which will see historic former paper mill buildings within the University of St Andrews’ new Eden Campus refurbished to become Eden Mill’s new home.

Included in plans submitted to Fife Council are a number of visitor areas, a café/bar, visitor’s centre, shop, presentation room and a tasting area on the top floor of the distillery offering views over the university campus and estuary.

Mr Miller said: “With ambitions to grow the business, it’s the right time for Eden Mill to move forward with plans for a new distillery and brewery. We have always been pioneering, and this expansion can open the door to new product development and continued success.”

Mr Miller has been at the forefront of moves to both strength regulations in the gin category and update the strict rules applied to Scotch Whisky production.

“To stay competitive, the spirits industry in Scotland needs to embrace new ideas and experimentation while respecting its heritage and traditions, particularly with whisky,” he said. “At this new site, Eden Mill will be in the perfect position to invest in new products and lead the way with innovation.

“We firmly believe that this development will greatly benefit the local area and the wider Scottish economy, which is always what we have set out to achieve as a business.”

Subject to planning approval, the new site will allow Eden Mill to invest in product development, increase output of beers and spirits, and attract more tourists to Fife by doubling capacity for distillery tours on the site.

Pending approval of the application, Eden Mill aims to be on site by summer 2018 with the buildings operational by autumn 2018.