BrewDog, the craft beer company, is to expand its facilities in Aberdeenshire.

In order to allow the operations to increase, the local authority has said a recycling facility in the area will have to be relocated.

Aberdeenshire Council's Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC), has been located at the Balmacassie Industrial Estate since 2011 to meet the needs of the town. Brewdog's brewing and bottling facility was then constructed next to the facility shortly afterwards, but as the business has continued to succeed, it needs to increase its facilities. The company now wants to purchase and develop the adjacent land currently occupied by the council, subject to gaining planning permission.

In a statement, Aberdeenshire Council confirmed it has agreed to relocate the HWRC to another site at Balmacassie to meet BrewDog's needs and support the local economy. It is understood the relocation of the recycling facility is also subject to planning permission.

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Any costs incurred by the council would be met by BrewDog.

Similarly, the recycling bulking plant – which was only built last year – on the same site as the HWRC could also be relocated. In an agreement worth around £5m, the council would hand the land over to the brewery in January 2016, when replacement facilities are expected to be completed.

Jim Gifford, Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, said: "There is no doubt this is an exciting and innovative company and provides the basis for increased employment and exports from Aberdeenshire.

"As such, the council is happy to work with the business to assist its expansion plans, particularly given that BrewDog would cover the cost of relocation for the waste and recycling facilities."

Rob Merson, Chairman of the Formartine Area Committee, said: "We know BrewDog is an ambitious company and of course we want to support that ambition, which will ultimately boost the local economy and raise the area's profile.

"Although it is not an easy process to relocate facilities, especially those which were recently built, the council is working hard to ensure there will be no cost or disruption to our community while allowing the business to develop and expand."

(JP/IT)