Locals oppose Diageo’s plans to upgrade Talisker
Diageo is facing objections from 50 local residents over its planning application to demolish Talisker Distillery and build a bigger site, citing “major disruption” to the community and a lack of new jobs.
In October last year, Diageo filed a proposal of application notice (PAN) to construct a new distillery to replace the current Talisker site in the village of Carbost on the Isle of Skye. The move will expand whisky production and support Diageo’s “long-term ambitions for Scotch”.
Diageo held public consultation events in November 2024 and February 2025, allowing members of the community to review the proposal and share feedback.
The application to build the new distillery was submitted to the Highland Council in June this year.
Earlier this month, the planning application opened to public consultation, with 50 comments in opposition to the project, alongside eight supporting comments.
Diageo intends to incorporate sustainable technology into the new facility and proposes new access, drainage, outfall, road improvement and landscape works.
Some residents voiced their concerns that the scale of the project would be “disproportionate” to the village of Carbost and its landscapes.
One local also commented that the proposed expansion, which intends to double production capacity, will not result in the creation of a single job. Residents have also pointed out that the addition of modern distilling technology could lead to a workforce reduction in production.
Other concerns cited included the “disruption and nuisance to the local community” during a construction phase that will last five years, resulting in increased levels of traffic, excessive noise and pollution.
Another member of the community added that Diageo had not committed to maintaining and improving the roads, which will face major traffic from HGV vehicles due to the project.
One resident who voiced their support for the development noted that the current Talisker building is “not fit for modern use” and that a new facility was “long overdue”.
The project could also bring additional income into the village from workers during the construction phase, and maintain year-round, secure employment once operational, a resident highlighted.
Furthermore, another Carbost local highlighted how the proposed new building would not block the view of the nearby loch and would sit within the landscape.
A Diageo spokesperson said: “We continually review our production footprint in support of our long-term growth ambitions for Scotch whisky. We have recently submitted a full planning application to Highland Council for the expansion of Talisker Distillery following a period of public consultation.
“At this stage, we do not have definitive investment plans and will continue to explore and evaluate the options available to us.”
Diageo is a major employer on the Isle of Skye, hiring more than 45 people during peak times at Talisker Distillery.
The distillery opened its new visitor centre in August 2022, which was part of Diageo’s £185 million (US$257m) investment in Scotch tourism.
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