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Whisky distillery planned at John O'Groats


By Gordon Calder

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A MICRO whisky distillery is being planned at John O'Groats. The couple behind the venture – Kerry and Derek Campbell, who live in Thurso – hope it will create local employment and attract visitors to the area.

They have submitted a planning application to Highland Council and it is under consideration, according to a spokeswoman.

Mrs Campbell said: "We are really excited about the prospect of building a micro whisky distillery at John O’Groats. Alongside the distillery we plan to open a visitor centre which will complement the distillery tours that we will offer.

"We will also build a bonded warehouse. The buildings will be steel-framed.

John O'Groats harbour. Picture: Alan Hendry
John O'Groats harbour. Picture: Alan Hendry

"By developing this existing site we will provide an additional attraction for visitors coming to John O’Groats and encourage new visitors who are interested in craft whisky. Our plans will also create local employment opportunities.

"There’s lots of great things happening in John O’Groats and we look forward to being part of this."

Andrew Mowat, manager at the Seaview Hotel, said: "It will be good for the area and the ongoing development of John O'Groats. It will help increase dwell time, attract more visitors, increase employment and utilise a currently undeveloped site."

The distillery would be built at a site near the craft village and south of the existing public car park. The site had construction works started but not completed in the late 1980s.

According to the plan submitted to Highland Council, a micro distillery, a visitor centre and a bonded warehouse will be built at the location.

The document also states that the proposed two main buildings will be constructed from galvanised steel-frame structures.

Mixed native hedging would be provided around the west, south-west and part of the south boundaries "to help screen the development along with a decorative mixed grass and wild flower perimeter".

A section of timber fencing is also proposed at the north-east corner of the distillery "to screen the rear service areas of the site from the public fronted elevation."


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