McLaughlin & Harvey (McL&H) has commenced work to build a new £10.5 million whisky distillery in Glasgow.

The contractor will redevelop the Pump House building on the banks of the River Clyde for Morrison Glasgow Distillers Ltd. The facility is to become fully operational in autumn 2017.

The Clydeside Distillery project is to create hundreds of jobs during its construction and fit-out phases. It has been developed by a small group of industry experts, led by Tim Morrison, formerly of Morrison Bowmore Distillers and current proprietor of the AD Rattray Scotch Whisky Company.

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Other features include a new visitor centre, a café/restaurant, a shop, distillery tours, whisky tastings and an interactive whisky experience.

Tim Morrison, Chairman of Morrison Glasgow Distillers, said: "Our vision to build a whisky distillery on the banks of the Clyde, first conceived many years ago, is now set to become a reality. Work has started on site and our first batch of spirit should be flowing before the end of next year.

"In addition to the Morrison family and a range of private funders, the Scottish Investment Bank (SIB) has joined the consortium of investors contributing £2 million to the project. The city was once home to many whisky distilleries and we think The Clydeside Distillery will put Glasgow right back on the Scotch whisky map."

Paul Griffen, Construction Director at McL&H, added: "Our experience in this type of restoration work coupled with over 40 years working in the distillery sector will help us to deliver a first class development for The Clydeside Distillery."

(LM/JP)