Firm takes over smithy
The couple who created award-winning Stirling Gin are set to open a distillery in the shadow of Stirling Castle.
June and Cameron McCann have bought a 19th century building, formerly a blacksmiths, which they plan to transform into a distillery and visitor centre, creating eight jobs.
The McCanns are working with a local architect and building firm and refurbishment plans for the Old Smiddy at 9 Lower Castlehill have already started.
The aim is for the distillery to be fully open by next summer.
June said:“We had been looking for the perfect site and always knew the building would find us and it has - distilling from `Scotland’s Heart’was always our intention.
“The Old Smiddy felt like the right place from the moment we entered it. Being in the shadow of Stirling Castle, along with blank canvas it offered, meant it was an opportunity which couldn’t be missed.”
It is believed the new centre will be the first legal distillery within the Stirling city boundary.
Stirling North councillor Jim Thomson welcomed the plans.
He said:“I think the distillery and visitor centre will be a great tourist attraction.
“It will encourage tourists to visit somewhere else in the town so they don’t just come to see the castle and then disappear.
“It may also help other businesses, such as the cafes which are nearby, and it will be good to have something else in the Top of the Town.”
Stirling Gin was created in a tiny copper pot still in the McCann’s Bridge of Allan kitchen two years ago and launched at the 2015 Stirling Gin Festival.
The couple will be inviting fans of their artisan tipple to `Join the Journey’of Stirling Distillery as plans unfold over the coming months.