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Planning has
been approved for Dal Riata distillery
in Campbeltown.
Argyll & Bute
Council has granted planning permission
to Dal Riata Distillery Ltd for the
construction of a brand-new distillery
named 'Dal Riata' situated along the
shores of Campbeltown Loch. This
multifaceted development will encompass
a Distillery, museum, visitor centre,
and retail outlet.
With a substantial investment of £4.5
million in this independent venture,
approximately 20 local residents will
find employment opportunities. Dal Riata
Distillery Ltd has also committed to
offering trainee positions to
individuals aspiring to forge careers in
the thriving Scotch Whisky industry.
The moniker 'Dal Riata' (The Kingdom of
Alba) harks back to the 6th and 7th
Centuries, encompassing regions such as
Argyll, Kintyre, Islay, Jura, Mull,
Ardnamurchan, Cowal, and a northeastern
portion of Ireland. The distillery's
barley for their own single malt Scotch
Whisky will be cultivated at Dunadd
Fort, which served as the capital of Dal
Riata.
The brainchild behind the establishment
of Dal Riata emerges from the passion of
two dedicated whisky enthusiasts, namely
Iain Croucher, the founder and
proprietor of independent whisky
bottlers North Star Spirits, and the
accomplished business entrepreneur
Ronnie Grant.
Dal Raita Distillery Director Iain
Croucher said: "To be working within
Scotch Whisky is beyond a blessing. The
ladies and gents that came before who
created such as strong and powerful
industry, which we are now custodians,
comes with great responsibility. We must
preserve this vital global asset for
future generations to enjoy and thrive".
Dal Raita Distillery Director Ronnie
Grant said: "Gaining planning permission
is a massive step forward in fulfilling
our dream to bring a new distillery to
Campbeltown. We have been humbled by the
positive reaction we have received from
both local people and the wider whisky
community. Campbeltown is a special
little place which is certainly on the
up and we can't wait to become a part of
its bright future."
Charlie Maclean MBE, Master of the
Quaich said: "Campbeltown holds an
important and special place in the
history of Scotch Whisky. Two hundred
years ago, some 25 distilleries were
producing 748,000 gallons (3.5 million
litres) of spirit according to The
Imperial Gazetteer of Scotland. In
recent times the number of operating
distilleries has significantly dwindled,
but the news that The Dal Riata
Distillery has been granted planning
permission is splendid. Iain Croucher
and his team know their whiskies. This
they have proved by winning the title
‘Independent Bottler of The Year’ on
more than one occasion. I have every
confidence that The Dal Riata Distillery
will produce magnificent liquid worthy
of carrying forward Campbeltown’s legacy
to a new generation of whisky lovers."
As Campbeltown enjoys a surge in
popularity among tourists, the owners of
Dal Riata are committed to paying
tribute to the town's rich history by
integrating a museum into the visitor
centre. This museum will be dedicated to
narrating the town's extensive and
illustrious connection with whisky
distillation.
The distillery itself will boast a
striking glass frontage, affording
visitors a view of the two prominent
copper stills in action as they craft
whisky. Additionally, a raised balcony
will not only provide breathtaking
vistas of Campbeltown Loch but will also
serve as an exquisite venue for premium
events and tastings.
A currently vacant shop located on
Longrow, adjacent to the site, will
undergo transformation into a
multifunctional visitor centre,
encompassing conference facilities and a
tasting room. Furthermore, careful
planning within the proposed distillery
structure will allow for potential
expansion of production without
necessitating an extension of the
existing footprint.
Looking ahead, the distillery's
long-term vision includes the
establishment of a warehouse at
Machrihanish Airport dedicated to cask
storage. This facility is envisioned to
encompass bottling and storage
capabilities for private clients as
well.
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