Glasgow to get first distillery in 100 years

Plans to build Glasgow’s first Scotch whisky distillery in 100 years have been given the green light.

The Glasgow Distillery – the first whisky distillery to be built in the city in 100 years – is due to open next autumn

The £10 million Glasgow Distillery and Visitors’ Centre will be led by former Morrison Bowmore man Tim Morrison, now owner of the AD Rattray Scotch Whisky Company, and will be developed on the banks of the River Clyde.

Morrison will guide a group of industry experts in the development, transforming an iconic pump house into a a small-batch single malt Scotch distillery and “interactive and educational” visitors’ centre.

Glasgow City Council has approved plans and work is hoped to be complete by autumn 2015.

The development will aim to educate visitors about Scotch whisky and its production, as well as benefit the local community through increased tourism.

Those behind the project also include Andrew Morrison, director of AD Rattray in the US; Kenny McAllister, chartered accountant and business advisor; Glen Moore, marketing consultant and former Bowmore brand marketing director, and Harry Cockburn, distillery production engineer.

“The city was once home to many whisky distilleries and we think the Glasgow Distillery will put Glasgow right back on the Scotch whisky map, said Morrison.

“My great-grandfather John Morrison built the pump house in 1877 and it gives me great pleasure to now have the opportunity to bring the building back to life, restore it to its former glory and give the building and the surrounding area the respect and status it deserves.”

The Glasgow Distillery is expected to employ 25 people once it opens, while over Up to 300 jobs are expected to be created during the building phase.