Loch Lomond Group has secured planning permission for a new distillery and visitor centre for a 5,362 sq m site on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Planning permission was granted by Argyll and Bute Council which means that Luss Estates can repurpose the old Luss smokehouse and surrounding land on Church Road into a new distillery and visitor centre with access paths to create a mixed-use development that is expected to complete by summer this year.
Once completed, it will provide a new brand home for its multi-award-winning Loch Lomond Whisky brands as well as a distillery for the Ben Lomond Gin brand, as well as an creating a new visitor attraction and brand experience to draw whisky and gin enthusiasts and tourists to the area.
The site will also offer a premium food and drink offering and a flagship retail space housing the full range of the group’s scotch whisky brands, Loch Lomond, Glen Scotia, and Littlemill as well as Ben Lomond Gin products.
Colin Matthews, Founder and CEO of Loch Lomond Group and director of the Scotch Whisky Association, said, “This significant multi-million-pound investment in a new distillery and visitor experience marks another major milestone for The Loch Lomond Group.
“The investment comes despite the challenges facing our industry and it reflects our confidence in the local community and the long-term resilience of Scotch whisky and distilling in Scotland.
“However, it comes at a time when the UK government’s ill-conceived tax hikes, broken promises of support, and unfair regulations are creating major obstacles for distilling in Scotland to remain competitive.
“For investments like this to succeed, the government must change course urgently by taking a common sense approach to support our industry, enabling job creation and economic growth, and ensuring fair competition on a global stage.
“Scotland’s spirits are sold to the world, and that should not be taken for granted by our government. It’s time for real change and real action, not just empty words and broken promises.
“The successful completion of this new project in Luss will allow us to share the rich heritage and natural beauty of the area which inspires all our spirits, with visitors from around the world.
“The development is a testament to our commitment to innovation, quality, and investing in the spirits industry in Scotland. The result will be a truly unique destination that supports the local community, creates new jobs, and showcases the very best of what we have to offer across the Loch Lomond Group.”
The announcement follows a period of strong growth and global recognition for the Loch Lomond Group’s Scotch Whisky brands and Scottish gin brand Ben Lomond which was named as one of the top five gins in the world at the 2024 San Francisco Spirits Competition, achieving a Double Gold and a 98-point scoring award.