‘Industrial eyesore’ claim over whisky warehouses planned for Wick
Plans for four new warehouses storing thousands of barrels of whisky have led to concerns about an “industrial eyesore” in a residential part of Wick.
Some of those living in the surrounding area have also raised fears that a fungus known as angels’ share mould, linked to the maturation process, could cause damage to properties and have implications for health.
The makers of the award-winning Old Pulteney have applied to Highland Council for planning permission for four whisky bonds on unused land between Oldwick Road and Roxburgh Road, close to the long-established Pulteney Distillery in Huddart Street.
The site is alongside the historic mill lade, designed by Thomas Telford and dating back more than 200 years, which provides the distillery with its water supply.
The proposed bonds would have a ridge height of 7.3m “and will be comparable to existing residential developments”, according to planning documents. There would be two blocks of bonded warehouses – one single unit and a block of three units.

The development would require security fencing and “sensitive lighting”.
Seventeen public comments have been logged so far on the Highland Council planning portal, most of them opposing the plans. Two of those commenting suggest that the airport industrial estate, on the other side of Wick, would be a better location.
However, a supporting statement on behalf of International Beverage, which owns the distillery, emphasises that the location is vital to the “special characteristics” of Old Pulteney, which is promoted as “the maritime malt”.
It says: “We produce hand-crafted single malt whiskies and age them next to the sea, thereby giving them an unmistakable coastal character.”
The owners “are looking at significant inward investment options and growth in production” and maintain “there is a definitive need to establish additional storage facilities close to the distillery”.
The plan is for 3000 casks in each warehouse.
Several public comments raise the issue of angels’ share mould, or Baudoinia compniacensis. The angels’ share is a term describing the tiny amount of whisky that evaporates during ageing.
In her objection, Janet Rosie states: “This fungus thrives on ethanol vapours that evaporate from whisky barrels during the maturation process. It has been documented to spread widely and attach to any available surfaces – homes, cars, roofs, trees, garden furniture and more – leaving a persistent black residue that is extremely difficult to remove.
“Residents in other areas near bonded warehouses have reported serious impacts including property staining, increased maintenance costs and a general decline in neighbourhood appearance.”
Another person points out: “While Baudoinia compniacensis is not classified as a toxic mould, there are concerns about its potential to aggravate existing respiratory illnesses, especially in sensitive individuals.”
Criticising the “planned industrial eyesore”, Kevin Miller says it should not be approved due to the residential location. “There is adequate space within the airport area for warehouses of this scale,” he says.
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Liam Durrand expresses concern at the “oppressive scale” of the development, claiming it “does not demonstrate sensitive siting which is in keeping with the local character of the area”.
He adds: “This will have a significantly detrimental impact on individual and community residential amenity for the neighbouring residents.”
Other areas of concern among the comments include traffic congestion, noise pollution, light pollution, potential impact on property values, loss of visual amenity and effects on mental health.
The landowners argue that the site is “ideally suited” for the purpose and see it as “a natural continuation of Telford’s vision for Wick as a hub of sustainable industry”.
Hamish Lamb, writing on behalf of his family, says: “We have respectfully listened to all voices in this planning debate about how our family land should be used.
“We wholeheartedly support the proposed expansion of Pulteney Distillery through the construction of bonded warehouses on land bordered by Thomas Telford’s historic mill lade. This project represents not only an investment in whisky production but also in Wick’s future.
“Fishing and whisky have long been central to Wick’s heritage and the livelihoods of countless local families, ours included. While the fishing industry has sadly declined, whisky remains a vital part of our identity.”
Mr Lamb says the proposed expansion will safeguard jobs, create new employment, attract visitors and “strengthen Wick’s reputation as the home of world-class Scotch whisky”.
Alan Mitchell, director of operations at International Beverage, said: “This planning application is part of an investment in the future of Pulteney Distillery and our globally cherished Old Pulteney whisky, as we prepare to celebrate an incredible milestone – 200 years of distilling in the heart of Wick next year.
“We have consulted with all the relevant agencies in the development of our application, and during the public consultation period we will be attentively reviewing all comments submitted by members of the public, whether they are in support or have questions and concerns.
“As a business with deep, long-standing roots in the town and wider Caithness community, it’s incredibly important to us that we engage with local people about this development. We are eager to listen, discuss and share our vision for the future of Pulteney Distillery – a vision that we believe to be a positive development for the community overall.”