Borders distilleries seek updated planning permission

Plans for the construction of two distilleries on the site of a former hotel in the Scottish Borders have been resubmitted after initial approval for the development lapsed.

Plans have been resubmitted for two distilleries in the Scottish Borders

A similar planning request that was given the green light in 2017, however, approval for these plans expired in January.

Under the updated plans submitted to the Scottish Borders Council, Torabhaig Distillery owner Mossburn Distillers hopes to construct two distilleries with adjoining visitor centres, as well as a bottling hall, maturation warehouses, offices and a gatehouse. As part of the plans, the former Jedforest Hotel will be converted into offices and staff accommodation.

According to Mossburn Distillers, having the distillery, warehousing and bottling operations all on one site will reduce vehicle movements in the area.

The site is four miles to the south of the town of Jedburgh, Scotland, and neighbours the Jed Water river, which would supply the water required for the two distilleries.

The two distilleries planned for the site will be the Jedhart Distillery and Mossburn Distillery, each constructed in two phases of the site’s redevelopment.

According to the planning application, construction of the Jedhart Distillery, maturation warehouses and “other related works” such as landscaping of the southern end of the site will form the first phase of development. The Mossburn Distillery, related works and the landscaping of the northern part of the site will fall within the second phase.

Once completed, the development would create up to 70 full-time jobs and the owners hope it would draw tourists to the region.

The plans will be heard before the Planning and Building Standards Committee on 5 October.