Distillery marks creation of ‘new whisky region’

Work has begun on a new Scotch whisky and gin distillery on the Isle of Harris – only the second distillery to be built in the Outer Hebrides.

Artist’s impression of what the new Isle of Harris Distillery will look like

Billed as having the potential to “open up an entirely new whisky region for Scotland”, the Isle of Harris Distillery has received £10 million from 17 private investors as well as a number of public investors.

The distillery – being built in Tarbet – will distill, mature and bottle a new brand of single malt Scotch whisky, called The Hearch, which is the Gaelic name for inhabitants of the island.

“We are building the ‘social distillery’ for the island and people of Harris,” said Simon Erlanger, director of the Isle of Harris Distillery.

“The Hearach single malt will create sustainable employment and economic growth and optimism for the people of Harris – while the spirit of Harris itself will shape the unique character of this new whisky.”

Planning permission has been granted, while a construction contract has also been agreed.

Investors include Highlands & Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Investment Bank

An estimated 20 jobs will be created at the distillery, which is schedule to be completed by the first quarter of 2015.

The Isle of Harris Distillery will produce around 300,000 bottles of single malt whisky a year and also distill a “Harris gin”.

The first production of The Hearach will not be available in the shops until it has matured in the distillery’s warehouse for a number of years, though no ageing period has yet been disclosed.

A limited number of casks from the first year’s production will, however, be made available for individual sale.