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Scotch distillery planned for Whisky Galore island
Community group Stòras Uibhist has submitted plans to build a £10 million (US$13.3m) Scotch whisky distillery on the Outer Hebridean island of South Uist, the setting that inspired the 1947 novel Whisky Galore.
The new distillery will be the first in South Uist since 1844
If approved, the distillery will become the first in 170 years to be based on the island.
It will be located in Lochboisdale, near the south of the island, and close to the site where the SS Politician, a cargo ship containing 28,000 cases of malt whisky, sank in 1941.
The event inspired the 1947 novel Whisky Galore and its subsequent film, released in 2016. The history and legends surrounding the story will play an important part in the distillery’s offering.
The distillery, which will be owned and run by the local community, is expected to produce 300,000 litres of whisky every year, with the potential to rise to 1m litres. It will be made with locally grown barley in order to boost income for local crofters. Local peat will also be used to produce “distinctive” smoky whiskies.
The distillery design will incorporate a malting floor, a visitor centre, exhibition area, reception, distillery tour operations and a shop. A “highly experienced” distillery manager will manage and supervise the distillery processes, from field to bottle.
Angus MacMillan, chairman of Stòras Uibhist, said: “This distillery will be a significant investment in the future of our communities. Distilleries last for centuries and represent a significant long-term investment, creating quality jobs and incomes for generations to come.
“The Scottish islands have a long tradition of producing some of the finest whiskies in the world, so we look forward to building on that legacy. The world whisky market is evolving as educated buyers are moving away from blends toward single malts, so there is a lot of scope for another high-quality malt whisky from the Scottish islands.”
He also cited the opening of the Isle of Harris Distillers last year as showing “potential that could be tapped by our islands”.
“There would also be the opportunity to work with the Harris distillery on a Western Isles Whisky Trail, encompassing all the legends and traditions of the SS Politician, with great quality products and the famous hospitality of the Western Isles.”