Approval recommended for Macallan distillery

Work on The Macallan’s new £100 million distillery has moved a step closer to commencing after council officers recommended plans are approved.

Council officers have recommended councillors approve plans for The Macallan’s new distillery

It was revealed in November last year that brand owner Edrington planned to build a new Speyside distillery and visitors’ centre for The Macallan, mothballing its existing site.

At the time the plans were announced, a spokesperson for The Macallan told The Spirits Business the new site in Speyside, which is still subject to planning permission, will present a “significant increase in capacity” for the brand, which is struggling to meet demand for its aged whiskies around the world.

The Press and Journal now reports that council officers recommend the planning committee approves plans for the new distillery at Craigellachie.

However, officers also recommended that a stretch of road that runs past the distillery is widened.

Edrington has partnered with architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners to build the distillery and visitors’ centre, which is expected to be completed in spring 2017.

Moray council’s planning committee will be meeting on 5 August to vote on the proposals.