SCOTLAND'S most southerly whisky distillery has been sold for an undisclosed sum to an Australian businessman.
David Prior, backed by non-executive Gavin Hewitt, former chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, has taken over the Bladnoch Distillery in a move which marks the return of distilling in Galloway after six years of non-production.
Mr Prior was reported to have made about £40 million from the sale of his five:am business to consumer products company PZ Cussons.
Whisky is said to have surged in popularity among Australians in the past eight years after the US TV series Mad Men.
Mr Prior said: “I am delighted to have been able to purchase a Scotch whisky distillery of such renown as Bladnoch.
"Scotch whisky is the world’s foremost spirit drink and I am proud to be part of the Scotch whisky industry.”
First established in 1817, Bladnoch enjoyed a reputation as a top Lowland Scotch malt whisky distillery.
The purchase continues a recent resurgence of distilling in southern Scotland which will see the number of Lowland working malt distilleries increase from two distilleries 10 years ago to eight following the reopening of Bladnoch.
Iain McLean, agent for Bladnoch Distillery at DWF, said: “We were pleased to support Bladnoch Distillery Limited on this deal which marks a significant moment for the distillery sector in Scotland.
"It brings new international investment into the region to regenerate the second oldest working Lowland distillery and creates a new brand for the global whisky market.”
Luke Charleton, acting for Ernst and Young, said original jobs will be retained and creditors paid in full.
He said: "There was a tremendous level of interest from domestic and international investors in this distillery.
"It is particularly pleasing to have sold the distillery to a buyer with a clear growth strategy. "
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