Plans for new distillery in Highland castle

Proposals have been submitted to build a new micro-distillery and whisky warehousing complex on the site of a historic castle in the Scottish Highlands.

Dunrobin Castle has requested permission to build a new micro-distillery on its premises

Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland has requested permission from Highland Council to turn its powerhouse into a distillery complete with visitor facilities and a tasting room, and also convert its existing steading buildings at Dunrobin Farm into bonded warehouses.

If approved, the distillery, designed in collaboration with Lachlan Stewart Studio, will produce “limited runs” of Scotch whisky and gin and will provide eight job opportunities for people in the local community.

In its planning application, Dunrobin Castle said: “Unlike many whisky distilleries, Dunrobin Highland Distillery can offer a holistic approach to the production of whisky.

“The estate has unique access to its own private water source – Cagar Foesaig – the source which is located deep inland within the mountain ranges on the estate […]

“The estate owns and manages some of the Highland’s prime arable farmland and currently grows barley for other large local distilleries. Some of this barley is also milled in Golspie Mill – formerly Dunrobin Mill – which has been operational since 1863 and could be used to mill limited runs of barley for use in the new distillery.”

Dunrobin Castle was first built in the 13^th century and continues to be the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland and the Clan Sutherland.

Highland Council will now consider whether to approve the distillery planning application.