New whisky distillery proposed at Dornoch
Outline plans have been submitted for a new malt whisky distillery on a historically significant site beside the Dornoch Firth – with the family firm behind the proposal saying it would be eco-friendly and provide a major boost to the local area.
The Midfearn Distillery Company hopes to build the facility on the Midfearn Estate ate as te rf earn, three miles south east of Ardgay, close to where whisky was first produced more than 200 years ago.
A Proposal of Application Notice has been submitted to Highland Council’s planning department, prompting a public consultation phase – including an initial, face-to-face consultation event at Edderton Village Hall on December 1, and a further consultation event on January 20. The company said it would then, subject to no obstacles, be cleared to submit a detailed planning application.
The company added that the Easter Fearn site is near what is believed to be the location of the mid fear nd is till er ye stablish ed in 1798 by local businessman George Ross . “This closed after a few years in operation, and Ross went on to work with other local distilling interests,” the Midfearn Distillery Company said.
The 13,000-acre Midfearn Estate has been in the Brooke family since 1893, with current custodian Charlie Brooke believing the distillery will be an important development in providing employment and economic benefit.
The Midfearn Estate said it already provides electricity from existing wind and hydro power projects, and the long-term sustainability of its energy source will form an “important element” of the distillery’s development.