Moray whisky specialist Gordon and MacPhail (G&M) has given contractors the green light to start building its new multi-million pound distillery near Grantown.
Construction work at the site, at Craggan, had been due to start earlier this year, but was delayed because of Covid-19 crisis restrictions.
G&M has appointed Morrison Construction as the main contractor for the project and Forsyths, of Rothes, will supply and install the distilling equipment.
Ewen Mackintosh, managing director of Elgin-based G&M, said: “These appointments are the next major milestone in delivering this long-term project for the company. We look forward to working with these established businesses who are both highly experienced in their own field.”
The distillery, which G&M has said will become a “significant local employer,” will have the capacity to produce around 440,000 gallons of whisky a year. It has been predicted its visitor centre, tasting rooms, retail space and coffee shop will attract 50,000 tourists annually.
Close to the River Spey, the facility will be the first new malt whisky distillery to be built in the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) area since its creation in 2003. The CNPA granted planning permission for the development last year.
Mr Mackintosh added: “We’ve been really heartened by the warm welcome we have received locally. As a family-owned business located in the north of Scotland we are very much rooted in our communities, and we are keen to develop strong relationships in Grantown and the surrounding area.”
