Plans have been unveiled for a âgroundbreakingâ off-grid distillery and visitor centre on the banks of the River Clyde.
Developer Neil Pringle, who describes himself as an entrepreneur based in the Middle East and Africa, said the facility is designed to produce 60,000 litres of alcohol annually, including rum, vodka, and whisky.
It is claimed it will be the first to use water from the River Clyde for spirit production. It plans to link up with maker iStill to use 80% of the energy used by conventional distilleries, and use geothermal and solar applications for energy.
Mr Pringle said: "Accompanying the distillery will be a visitor centre and a cafe, providing space for local community groups, artists, and producers to showcase their offerings. This initiative is expected to create 33 full-time jobs."
He added: "Features Strategically situated within a mile of the M74, the distillery promises to be a significant attraction, offering tourists and locals a unique experience.
"It aims to provide employment and add architectural significance to an area longing for such developments. This will be the first distillery in Scotland to use treated water from the River Clyde for spirit production and cooling of stills, establishing an unparalleled unique selling proposition."
The riverside proposal presented to South Lanarkshire Council also includes a key element to tackle high waters.
Mr Pringle added: "The proposed distillery is more than just a production facility; it's a symbol of South Lanarkshire's innovative spirit and resilience. In an era marked by climate variability and flood risks, this flood resilient structure stands as a beacon of architectural innovation, environmental adaptation, and sustainable development.
"The collaboration with iStill.com is a key element, reducing energy consumption by 80% compared to conventional distilleries.â
"The development is poised to significantly benefit local businesses, such as holiday accommodations, restaurants, and attractions like Lanark Falls and Chatelherault Country Park.
"It is expected to place the Clyde Valley Tourist Route prominently on the distillery map, offering a unique experience for both tourists and locals."
The application site is located at Lanark Road, Garrion Bridge on a site which sits between the A72 and the River Clyde. An earlier poultry farm project at the site was impacted by Covid pressures.Â
The proposal also includes related car parking and landscaping "to integrate the development into its setting within the Clyde Valley".
Inverness firm to train oil workers for renewables jobs
Oil and gas entrepreneurs who expect to provide thousands of people with the skills needed to support the development of low carbon energy assets in Scotland have won multi-million pound official backing.
The Aurora Energy Services venture founded by Douglas Duguid and Michael Buchan has secured a debt-funding package worth up to ÂŁ20 million from the Scottish National Investment Bank, which has completed a flurry of deals this month.
Liquidators instruct sale of 'popular' Scottish inn
Liquidators acting on behalf of a "popular" Renfrewshire bar and restaurant have moved to put the outlet on the market.
Joint liquidators George Lafferty and Barry Stewart of Leonard Curtis have instructed Shepherd Chartered Surveyors to find a buyer for the River Inn. The country bar and restaurant, which recently ceased trading, is located in Crosslee, Houston, a popular commuter village lying five miles west of Paisley.
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