This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Couple plans to build first Orkney gin distillery
By Melita KielyA married couple is seeking planning permission to build the first gin distillery in Orkney, complete with a visitors’ centre and shop.
A planning application has been submitted to build the first gin distillery in OrkneyHusband and wife Stephen and Aly Kemp, from Kirkwall, have submitted a planning application to build the site in the town’s Ayre Road in order to create Kirkjuvagr Gin.
The couple, who are trading under the name of Orkney Distilling Ltd, plan to use “a uniquely Orcadian blend of ingredients” to make the gin, which are currently being kept under wraps.
Kirkjuvagr Gin will be produced initially on mainland Scotland until the distillery is up and running.
“This is an exciting new venture to Aly and myself,” said Kemp, as reported by the BBC. “As gin lovers, we’ve long wondered what it would be like to create a distinctly Orcadian variety, one that could proudly represent the islands in what is a highly competitive, but rapidly expanding and exciting, marketplace.
“In developing Kirkjuvagr, we were very keen to make some kind of connection with Orkney’s Norse heritage, in addition to the brand’s Viking name, and we like to think we’ve come up with something a bit special in terms of the ingredients.
“We’re keeping the specifics about Kirkjuvagr close to our chest at the moment, but all will be revealed in time.”