Cabrach Trust gains £500,000 for whisky distillery

The Cabrach Trust has secured up to £500,000 (US$636,100) in funding to construct a Scotch whisky distillery in Moray that has been in development since 2017.

The distillery will be located in Cabrach on the southern edge of Moray, said to be one of the birthplaces of the Scotch whisky industry and famed for illicit stills and smuggling.

The project received planning permission in September 2017.

The Cabrach Trust gained its latest investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), a Scottish government agency. The development has also secured £361,767 (US$460,375) from the government’s Just Transition Fund.

The project had already received funds of £3.5 million (US$4.6m) in 2021, as well as £310,000 (US$434,240) in 2018 from The William Grant Foundation, Foundation Scotland, Reekimlane Foundation and an anonymous donor.

The HIE funding will help cover the costs of construction works on the extensive refurbishment of farm steading buildings at Inverharroch Farm, which was acquired by the Trust in 2013.

The site will aim to produce a ‘heritage-led’ single malt whisky and is forecast to reach an annual turnover of almost £3.4m within eight years.

Jonathan Christie, chief executive officer of The Cabrach Trust, said the HIE funding is “central to realising The Cabrach Distillery; a project which will serve as the lungs of our long-term, transformational regeneration strategy for this important place”.

The new distillery will also create approximately 12 full-time jobs, as well as 50 volunteering opportunities.

Fiona Robb, head of strengthening communities with HIE’s team in Moray, added: “This project represents a significant third sector project in Moray’s most rural area, where population has declined significantly. Tapping into local heritage it seeks to use this to attract and retain new talent.

“In addition to production, turnover and sales, the venture will contribute to community regeneration with significant social benefits and low carbon credentials. It will support new employment, alongside a sustained commitment to providing training and education.

“It will also enhance the region’s appeal to visitors and its reputation for quality food and drink production.”

Last month, Campbeltown-based gin producer Beinn an Tuirc Distillery secured up to £21,740 (US$27,661) from HIE to support its events programme.

The HIE funding will be put towards the total project costs of £54,350 (US$69,150) to purchase and install a 10m geodome and upgrade catering facilities at the distillery.

The distillery was expanded with tasting rooms in 2018, a café and gin school in 2019 and two accommodation bothies in 2022. Last year, Beinn an Tuirc ran a programme of events including tours, a gin school, supper clubs, foraging course and guided walks.

The latest upgrade is expected to lead to a £526,000 (US$669,280) increase in turnover.