Plans have been unveiled to build a micro-distillery on Raasay, which according to a local blogger means the island could have its first ever "legally made whisky".
Edinburgh-based R&B Distillers Ltd want to convert Borrodale House, which served for some years as the island's hotel. In a report to the Highland Council, they visualise a small distillery producing batched runs of whisky for a niche market.
But they plan more than a distillery on the island which lies between Skye and Applecross: "Our approach is to liberate this building and put it at the centre of the distillery complex providing a bar and tasting room at ground floor level with high quality overnight accommodation for a limited number of guests at the upper level. The house will be sympathetically converted in a 'contemporary Highland lodge style' style reinstating large ground floor windows and open fireplaces."
Currently the main focus of tourism on the island is the historic Raasay House which is community owned. It is an outdoor centre with a restaurant, bar, some hotel -style rooms as well as dormitory accommodation. A blaze in 2009 left the Grade A listed mansion house a smoking ruin. While it was being rebuilt, its operators used Borrodale House s a temporary base.
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