Glasgow Scotch distillery awaits green light

Plans have been submitted by a group of Scotch experts for a new £10 million craft whisky distillery in Glasgow – the first in the city for 100 years.

The Glasgow distillery will be constructed from the city’s iconic pump house building on the banks of the River Clyde

Led by former Morrison Bowmore man Tim Morrison, the group of industry experts have laid plans for the transformation of the iconic pump house building on the bank of the River Clyde, into a small-batch single malt Scotch distillery and “interactive and educational” visitors’ centre.

The development will aim to educate visitors about Scotch whisky and its production, as well as benefit the local community through increased tourism.

Subject to planning approval, the distillery is expected to be up and running by mid-2015.

“We see this project as having huge potential – not only for Glasgow, but for the tourism industry, the Scotch whisky trade and the whole Scottish economy,” said Morrison.

“Our vision for the new distillery  and educational visitor centre is that it becomes a part of Glasgow’s busy tourist trail – we anticipate it will attract more than 50,000 visitors each year.”

The team behind the project also includes Andrew Morrison, director of AD Rattray in the US; Kenny McAllister, chartered accountant and business advisor; Glen Moore, marketing consultant and former Bowmore brand marketing director, and Harry Cockburn, distillery production engineer.

Sandra White, MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, expressed her support for the proposal: “I truly believe this is a fantastic opportunity to re-establish Glasgow’s historic whisky heritage. Not only this but it will greatly improve the regeneration of this area of Kelvin, while also benefitting the whole of Glasgow through increased tourism as well as a much welcomed influx of both constrctiona nd service industry jobs.”