Cash boost for proposed Western Isles distillery and visitor centre

A planned new distillery and visitor centre in the Western Isles, which is expected to create more than 20 jobs, has been given a funding boost of up to almost £2 million.

The proposed £12.5m development at Gramsdale, Benbecula, secured the cash from developmentagencyhighlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The Uist Distilling Company plans to produce single malt whisky, rum and gin on site, using renewable energy.

A total of 22 full-time equivalent jobs are expected to be created at the distillery in the next three years, with plans to start production in early 2022.

Company co-owner Angus A Macmillan, from South Uist, said: "The new distillery aims to be a champion of all things Hebrideanandscottishandwill provideahugeboosttotourism in the area.

"We want to produce whisky, rum and gin that will put Benbecula and the Hebrides firmly onthewhiskytouristtrail,while introducing the products we make to a national and international clientele.

"We are delighted with the supportwehavehadfromhie. Having a low carbon footprint is key to our plans and we are working with industry experts to design a spirit production process which is powered by renewable energy sources. "

He said he hopes the funding of up to £1.99m will help him to be at the forefront of the whisky industry's move away from using fossil fuels.

Joanna Peteranna, head of enterprise support at HIE'S Outer Hebrides team, said: "This innovative project will bring much-needed high quality and secure jobs to Benbecula.”