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Extension to John O’Groats brewery, 200-year-old Castletown mill transformation and new gym for Tain

The refurbishment of a 200-year-old mill into a craft whisky distillery and visitor centre with associated cafe will take place.
The refurbishment of a 200-year-old mill into a craft whisky distillery and visitor centre with associated cafe will take place.

Welcome to our weekly round-up of planning news across the Highlands.

This week, a brewery in John O’Groats is looking for the go-head to build an extension as part of a £250k project.

And plans are afoot to transform a garage to form a studio and workshop.

And north planners have given the green light for the refurbishment of a 200-year-old mill into a whisky distillery with a visitor centre and a new gym at Tain industrial estate.

Extension proposed for brewery

Firstly, John O’Groats Brewery has submitted a planning application for a proposed extension and alterations to their brewery.

NorCAD Design is representing John O’Groats Brewery Limited.

The plan at The Last House is to extend current facilities.

Proposed extension to John O'Groat brewery.
Proposed extension to John O’Groat brewery.

It is part of a £250,000 project to breathe new life into the building.

Located to the east of the iconic John O’Groat’s sign post, before the brewery took over the building it has lain vacant for some time, having previously been home to the country’s most northerly museum, housing a range of artefacts.

Back in 2019, they first unveiled their plans.

Brewery directors Allan Farquhar, Simon Cottam and John Mainprize.
Brewery directors Allan Farquhar, Simon Cottam and John Mainprize.

Share your views in our comments section at the foot of this article


Garage to form studio and workshop

An application has been submitted for alterations to garage to form studio and workshop.

David Somerville Architects is representing Cathy Guthrie for the application.

The plans are for 8 Street, Caplich, Kiltarlity, Beauly.

Proposed plans to turn garage into studio.
Proposed plans to turn garage into studio.

In the past week, Highland Council has also determined some applications.

Green light for distillery

Back to Caithness for more distillery-related plans.

Officials have approved plans to refurbish the 200-year-old mill and surrounding land at Castletown.

The Castletown Mill which currently sits on the Building at Risk Register will be transformed into a distillery with a visitor centre.

Martin and Claire Murray have invested in Castletown Mill.
Martin and Claire Murray have invested in Castletown Mill.

Organic Architects represented Dunnet Bay Distillers in the planning application.

The restoration and fit-out of the refurbished building could cost up to £4 million.

What it could look like!
What it could look like!

Job creation

The firm has pledged to create new jobs at the distillery.

The jobs are as follow:

  • three production jobs
  • five to ten roles for tour guides, managing the shop and cafeteria

Claire Murray, co-founder and co-director of Dunnet Bay Distillers, said the company is “delighted”. She thanked Highland Council for its decision.

“We have been working hard with our plans and are looking forward to sharing them in the coming months.”

Gym at Tain industrial estate

In Tain, a commercial unit will be transformed into a gym.

Ali Mackintosh Personal Training submitted the planning application for the change of use for unit 1a Blarliath Industrial Estate.

Mr Mackintosh has also given details of new signs.

Authentic fitness in Tain.
Authentic fitness in Tain.

Authentic Fitness says it offers services for all levels of ability from beginner to advanced fitness.

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Spotted any plans you think we should know about? Get in touch at north@ajl.co.uk

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