Sustainable distilling experts Organic Architects have submitted a planning application to Highland Council for a new whisky distillery, visitor centre, and warehouse on Mulchaich Farm, in Ferintosh on the Black Isle.
The once famous Ferintosh whisky was the largest producer of Scotch, enjoying a booming whisky trade in the 1700’s, thanks to a unique tax break granted to the landowner by the King but the local whisky industry collapsed after this privilege was withdrawn in 1778. Robert Burns wrote about it’s demise in his poem Scotch Drink, and it is also claimed that Bonnie Prince Charlie drank Ferintosh whisky following his defeat at Culloden.
Bari Reid, Director at Organic Architects, said, “The re-birth of Ferintosh whisky production here is a momentous occasion for Scotland and will bring numerous benefits to the local community. The distillery will allow visitors to discover the rich history of this Black Isle district which has been touched by the Jacobite rebellion, the Highland clearances and contained one of the first legal distilleries in Scotland.
“Given the significance of the archaeology on the farm, local archaeologists and Historic Environment Scotland have been consulted as the design work has progressed.
“We look forward to continuing to work with them, as well as the local farmer and community, to resurrect the infamous Ferintosh whisky.”
Subject to planning application approval, the distillery is set to create up to thirty skilled jobs.
Picture: Ferintosh Distillery artist impression