Speyside is gearing up for another massive boost to its Whisky industry with the news that Macallan Estate owners Edrington will invest £100million in a new distillery and ‘world class’ visitor centre.
Edrington, an independent Scottish group controlled by the Robertson Trust, say that they anticipate huge potential from whisky consumers in the emerging markets of Asia, Latin America and Africa.
That has prompted them to invest in the Macallan Estate at Craigellachie to help boost output from the site and meet rising demand.
Edrington say that the plans would “compliment the natural beauty of the area and the Macallan Estate”.
The company’s chief executive, Ian Curle, said: “Our plan for the estate includes a contemporary distillery that embodies the international style of The Macallan and builds on the brand’s tradition of quality and craftsmanship.
“As this long-term investment develops it will bring significant employment and economic benefit to the local community.”
The visitor centre, which is expected to open in 2017, has been designed by Rogers, Stirk & Partners for whom Graham Stirk commented: “We are delighted to be working with The Macallan to realise their vision for the new distillery.
“This is a rare and fascinating project set within a great parkland estate. Our aim will be to reveal both the mystery of the place and the process, within this dramatic setting.”
Moray’s politicians warmly welcomed the plans with Angus Robertson MP saying: “This proposal is huge news for Moray with plans being drawn up for tens of millions of investment in both whisky production at the Macallan distillery and in an iconic world class visitor experience.
“While there are clearly planning processes including public consultation in the coming months this is yet another major announcement from a major player in our iconic malt whisky sector and really underlines the strength of one of Moray’s most important employment sectors.”
His Holyrood colleague, Richard Lochhead MSP, added: “Whisky is a mainstay of the Scottish economy and Speyside is the heart and soul of that industry.
“The amount being invested in the sector to expand production, in storage facilities and in visitor facilities is running into the hundreds of millions with this announcement being one of the biggest single investments.”