One of the UK’s leading maltsters has announced plans to build a new maltings facility in Moray.
Simpsons Malt, which sources more than 150,000 tonnes of barley each year from 456 Scottish growers, has entered an agreement to purchase a 40-acre block of land at Rothes, near Elgin.
The company, which already runs maltings in Berwick-upon-Tweed and Tivetshall St Margaret in Norfolk, said the creation of a new Speyside facility would bring it closer to some of its distilling customers in the region.
These include those producing the Macallan, Glenrothes and Glenfarclas whiskies.
“I am delighted to announce that we have entered into this agreement, which aligns with the company’s long-term strategic objectives,” said Simpsons Malt managing director, Tim McCreath.
“Having a maltings and malting barley storage facility in Speyside is something we have given serious thought to for a number of years and, subject to planning and due diligence, we will begin construction when the time is right and demand is there from our customers.”
He said the location of the new maltings, which will include grain storage facilities, would bring logistical benefits to the company, while also helping it reduce its carbon footprint.
