Scottish castle distillery gets go-ahead

A castle in the Scottish Highlands which dates back to the 13th century has been given the green light to build a ‘single estate’ whisky distillery in its grounds.

Plans to construct a new micro-distillery and whisky warehousing complex at Dunrobin Castle have received approval from Highland Council, paving the way for the castle to produce ‘limited runs’ of single malt Scotch whisky and gin.

Dunrobin Highland Distillery will be constructed in the castle’s former powerhouse, while existing steading buildings at Dunrobin Farm will be transformed into bonded warehouses.

Barley will be sourced from the farm and water will be sourced from the Cagar Foesaig mountain spring on the castle grounds.

The building – which is also Britain’s most northerly great house – is the family seat of Clan Sutherland and was previously used as a boarding school before being opened to the public.

Dunrobin Castle is currently owned by Elizabeth Sutherland, a granddaughter of the former head of Clan Sutherland.