Plans have been unveiled for a new £12 million distillery that will take on the mantle of a maker that has not created spirits since the Blitz.
The firm, called Ardgowan Distillery, has revealed designs for its new distillery which is being built on the Ardgowan Estate near Inverkip, 30 miles west of Glasgow, and will be capable of producing more than a million litres of whisky a year.
The new distillery will resurrect the name of the Ardgowan Distillery, which was founded in 1896 and located in Baker Street, Greenock.
After a number of years of whisky production, the distillery was used to make grain spirit and industrial alcohol until it was destroyed in the Blitz of May 1941.
The new plans showcase the flagship building which has just secured revised planning consent from Inverclyde Council.
The firm said the design, by Michael Laird Architects, brings a number of improvements on the original proposal, which was granted full planning consent in March last year, and will sit alongside the distillery’s visitor centre to be housed in existing buildings on the Bankfoot site.
Martin McAdam, distillery chief executive, above, said: "This is a state-of-the-art, modern distillery which not only looks fantastic, but will reduce our environmental impact wherever possible.
“Our architects have worked closely with civil engineers Blyth & Blyth and process designers Briggs of Burton to create a striking distillery which fits well in the landscape and uses heat recovery and closed loop cooling to reduce energy use and water consumption, whilst the extensive use of glass means visitors will get a clear view of the bright airy interior."
The first phase of the distillery incorporates two copper stills, with a planned output of one million litres per annum.
Future output can be doubled via the addition of two further stills plus in an already-approved second phase.
Mr McAdam says the stills will be supplied by a Scottish firm and that building contract discussions are under way.
It is also understood that the company is in advanced discussions with a keystone investor.
Last month the distillery released its first whisky, a 600-bottle run of Ardgowan Expedition 20-year-old.
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