Construction work at a new malt whisky distillery in the Highlands has been completed. It is understood that production will begin on site this month.

When operational, it will be capable of producing up to 10 million litres of spirit a year.

The French-owned Chivas Brothers Ltd, which is part of Pernod Ricard, have built the new facility on the site of a former distillery near Carron in Moray.

The new distillery has been named Dalmunach, after a nearby pool in the River Spey, the owners said.

The design of the distillery is inspired by the shape of a sheaf of barley, reflecting the core ingredient of single malt whisky. It houses eight unique copper pot stills, with a tulip shape used for the wash stills and an onion shape used for the spirit stills, replicating those from the Imperial distillery which was situated on the site until 2012.

-- Advertisement --

Other original features from the previous distillery have been incorporated to ensure a sense of heritage remains intact, including red brick from the former mill building which has been reclaimed to create a feature wall in the new entrance area.

Laurent Lacassagne, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, commented: "As global demand for Scotch whisky increases year on year, our confidence in the long-term growth prospects for the category remains strong.

"The construction of the new Dalmunach distillery is a clear demonstration of our confidence and also of our commitment to invest to meet the significant growth potential."

The construction of the distillery was managed by Douglas Cruickshank.

(JP/IT)