Organic Architects and Dunnet Bay Distillers have announced that the building warrant to convert the historic Castletown Mill in Caithness has been approved.
The mill is close to the Castle of Mey in Caithness and King Charles has previously expressed his desire for the building to be saved. The distillery will be a new brand home for Stannergill Whisky.
The distillery, run by Claire and Martin Murray, will be a new brand home for Stannergill Whisky, the latest edition to be added to Dunnet Bay’s award-winning portfolio which includes Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka.
Andrea Wise, Founder & Director at Organic Architects, commented, “We want to see Castletown Mill flourish again not only as a whisky distillery but also as a visitor destination to be enjoyed. The former grain mill is prominent alongside the route of the North Coast 500, yet it has lain empty for decades. It has a heroic scale, it contains impressive large internal volumes which would never be built in a new distillery. Our architects and designers have beautiful plans to revitalise the building. It is made from local Caithness stone, which makes it particularly robust as befits a local distillery which will hopefully occupy the building for generations to come.”
Martin Murray, from Dunnet Bay Distillers, added, “The heritage of the building grounds the new Stannergill Whisky in the character of its location. Locals remember working and living in the building and King Charles once said he ‘could not bear to see the Castletown Mill become more and more deteriorated.’ Exciting times are ahead and I am particularly pleased that we are able to show that historic buildings can be given a new life.”
The conversion of the disused landmark building will begin in April 2023.
