Councillors in Moray have given the go ahead for the £100m redevelopment of a distillery in Speyside.

The plans will see the construction of a new distillery and visitor centre created at Macallan Distillery, near Craigellachie, in the area. The existing facility will be mothballed, while visitor parking will be created for 65 cars. It is understood that production at the distillery will also increase as a result of the investment, taking production from 9.5 million litres of spirit each year, to some 15 million.

In a report to Moray Council's Planning and Regulatory Services Committee, it was said the development would be a "significant increase and enhancement" of the current facilities on site, and would also be able to cater for increased visitor numbers.

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As a result, it added that the proposal "would see a notable investment in the local economy and a project of this scale would likely result in benefits to local construction firms and suppliers."

Bill Robertson, Executive Chairman of Robertson Construction who will deliver the project, said: "We are delighted and honoured to have been selected by The Macallan to build their new world-class, iconic distillery and visitor centre.

"As a local business we have worked in the whisky industry for many, many years and fully understand the aspirations of the sector. Perhaps more importantly we have taken the time to understand The Macallan, the business, its objectives and its reputation for high quality in all it does.

"The project will be delivered in true partnership between ourselves and The Macallan and will result in a distillery and visitor centre which will become the benchmark for others to aspire to."

The plans for the new distillery were unanimously approved by the planning committee. Work on the development is expected to commence later this year, with a scheduled completion date of 2017.

(JP/IT)