Invergordon gets green light for biogas plant

Whyte & Mackay’s Invergordon Distillery has won planning approval for a £15 million (US$19m) energy upgrade, although it is unclear how many jobs the biogas technology will replace.

The Invergordon Distillery has won planning approval for a biomass plant. Image: JThomas

The new technology will process spent wash from Whyte & Mackay distilling operations and convert it into renewable energy for both the site and the national grid.

While Whyte & Mackay acknowledged the technology would result in job losses, it said the converter would ultimately secure the future of the Invergordon site.

Trade union GMB Scotland had lobbied Highland Council to approve the project, saying “there was no realistic plan B” for the distillery.

The plans had faced opposition from local residents who were concerned the 20-metre tanks required for the process would tower over homes, reports The Ross-shire Journal.

Following the approval last week, Whyte & Mackay is now applying for government funding to complete the project, with a final decision due in the summer.

“We are delighted with the decision which enables us to move on to the next phase of our plans for Invergordon grain distillery,” said Ian Mackie, production director at Whyte and Mackay Invergordon.

“These plans represent a significant investment for Whyte & Mackay, which will allow us to continue employing approximately 100 people from the local community and contributing £6m to the local economy.

“We have consulted with employees, employee representatives, the community and local stakeholders to discuss our plans, gather feedback and address questions.

“On the whole, we were pleased with the response to our consultation which was broadly supportive. However, we acknowledge that a small number of specific issues were raised from members of the local community which we will continue to discuss and resolve wherever possible.”

Dorothy Stott, a Highland Council planning officer, told The Spirits Business that while the plans had been given the go-ahead, there are conditions attached.

“There should be a liaison group set up prior to development which will involve members of the community,” she said, adding that no build can commence without agreement from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the council in writing.”

Liz Gordon, GMB Scotland regional officer, told The Spirits Business: “The GMB is pleased that Whyte and Mackay has been given the green light for its Invergordon biogas plant. There are multiple benefits; less noise, heavy traffic and smell for the local committee; a renewed focus on local grain suppliers and secure local employment.

“It’s to this latter point we will now turn our attention as its understood there will be a negative impact on jobs albeit less than if permission had not been granted. We will be working with the company to ensure any impact is minimal.”