A NEW boutique distillery in one of Scotland's most remote areas has been given the go-ahead.
Highland councillors yesterday unanimously gave the green light to the facility on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, although the company behind it – Adelphi Distillery Ltd – said it could be five years before the first "quality" drams are available to drink.
The distillery, at Glenbeg, is projected to create 10 jobs and will produce 100,000 litres of single malt a year, a modest amount compared to the millions coming from more established sites.
Keith Falconer, Adelphi Distillery chairman, said: "I gather it is going to take us 13 to 15 months to get the stills and everything delivered. But we would like to start construction as soon as possible to take advantage of the drier conditions in the summer, so at least we can get the buildings up before the winter rains."
He said it would probably be five years before they would be in a position to sell a whisky "of quality" and eight years before it gets "really good".
The council had received 105 letters of support and 52 from objectors to the application amid some concern over the planned location.
Opposition to the plan was led by Michael and Karen Macgregor, who own six luxury self-catering properties nearby. He said they were not against a distillery but that there was a site 500 metres away which would be acceptable to all.
Although Highland Council's planning officials had recommended approval, the four local Lochaber councillors on the planning committee successfully moved for a decision to be deferred until there was a site visit. It took place yesterday and afterwards the councillors unanimously approved the plan.
Wood chippings from timber on the Ardnamurchan Estate will provide the power for the plant, while the solid waste from the fermentation will in turn feed the estate's cattle.
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