UK: Speyside Distillery secures planning permission for modernisation

Scottish company Glasgow Whisky has secured planning permission to modernise the Speyside Distillery in Tromie Mills near Kingussie, The Spirits Business reported on April 15.

Speyside Distillery, featured in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen, has been known as the home of Spey single malt whisky, produced by Speyside Distillers.

Glasgow Whisky acquired the site in April 2021 for an undisclosed amount, while Speyside Distillers continued operating the facility until its lease expired in April 2025.

Now under new management, Glasgow Whisky has secured planning permission from the Highland Council to transform the distillery into a low-carbon operation.

The plans include modernising and upgrading the Speyside Distillery, which is said to pave the way for a sustainable future for the historic site.

Speyside Distillery was built on the site of a former barley mill and croft from the 1700s, with distillation commencing in 1990.

The approved redevelopment aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions in whisky production. Designed by Organic Architects, the project will integrate the latest energy-efficient technologies to minimise environmental impact while aiming to preserve the site’s character.

Bari Reid, director at Organic Architects, commented: “Energy efficiency within the whisky industry has advanced significantly since the days of Monarch of the Glen and certainly since the original distillery was built.

“With the planning permission now in place and the energy-efficient production equipment manufactured by specialists Forsyths, construction work is due to start in June, with the first spirit flowing in early 2026. We have worked with the local authority to ensure that the character of the site is preserved and the sensitive ecology is enhanced.”

According to Reid, the plans have been developed to allow the team to introduce heat and water recovery systems within the distilling process. These systems are anticipated to lead to a 44% reduction in energy consumption per litre of alcohol produced.

Graham Taylor, director at Glasgow Whisky, said: “We are very happy to have secured planning permission for this exciting project. The building will remain a Scotch whisky distillery, staying true to its heritage but embracing modern, sustainable practices.

“This redevelopment marks an important step in our commitment to a low-carbon future, supporting both the local economy and the wider whisky industry’s environmental goals.”

Glasgow Whisky was established in 2007 by Taylor and Stuart Hendry. The company’s portfolio of blended Scotch whisky brands include Highland Cup, Strathallan, Kelvin Bridge, Scottish Friend, and Auld Gate.

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