Clutha owner ‘emotional’ as distillery named after pub
THE owner of the Clutha Bar has described his overwhelming emotion after an independent Scotch whisky maker pledged to name a new multi-million pound Glasgow distillery after the pub.
Alan Crossan was approached by Douglas Laing & Co who were keen to honour the pub by naming its newest premises the Clutha Distillery, which is expected to open in autumn 2019.
The single malt Scotch whisky which will be produced at the new Distillery will also bear the name “Clutha”.
Mr Crossan said: “I felt distinctly emotional when Douglas Laing asked me if they could name the new Distillery ‘Clutha Distillery’.
“The legacy of the Clutha Bar will be the charity work we do, and now we may also have a part to play in bringing back the River Clyde to the people of Glasgow.
“The opportunities for the Clutha Trust will be enhanced by the involvement of Douglas Laing.
“The new Clutha Bar on the banks of the Clyde and the new Clutha Distillery will be the catalyst that opens the river to a new generation.”
Since the devastating helicopter crash on November 29, 2013, which claimed the lives of 10 people, Alan has fought to ensure a positive legacy lives on through the Clutha Trust.
The firm, which is working with Alan’s Clutha Trust to support the music and arts industry, was keen to reflect the history of the river in its new location – with Clutha a “perfect fit”.
The phrase means River Clyde in Gaelic, which the firm feels reflects the company’s heritage and the location, on the banks of the Clyde at the Pacific Quay, in Govan.
Planning has now been submitted for the £10.7million project which will see the creation of the new distillery and bottling complex alongside with the corporate head office, visitor centre, whisky archive and bar/bistro.
The development will also create 41 new jobs with the Douglas Laing workforce set to almost treble from 24 to 65.
Chris Leggat, CEO with Douglas Laing & Co, said: “Douglas Laing has a long and proud association with Glasgow and the Clyde with the city at the heart of the company.
“It was important to us that the new Distillery was located on the banks of the Clyde as it brings us back to where the company has its heart.
“After careful consideration the name was selected to reflect our proud heritage and the importance of the location.”
Established in Glasgow in 1948, the third generation family firm has stayed true to its roots and credits the iconic river with playing a key part in its early success as well as a pivotal role in the globalisation of the spirit.
The company’s founder, Fred Douglas Laing grew up overlooking the Clyde, and was immersed in its shipping through the 1920s and 30s, before developing his whisky business on the Broomielaw.
A fatal accident inquiry into the crash is due to begin in April next year.