Staff at an historic Moray distillery have toasted the opening of a scenic new attraction.
A bridge worth hundreds of thousands of pounds has been erected at the Glenlivet single malt plant, offering guests a warm welcome as the gateway to its visitor centre.
The plant’s owners, Chivas Brothers, commissioned Robertson Civil Engineering to create the crossing at the building’s entrance as a way of enhancing its appearance.
They wanted the bridge to be designed in a rustic style, which would complement the traditional venue.
The managing director of Robertson Civil Engineering, Tony Fry, yesterday described the challenge of creating the “unique” structure.
Mr Fry said: “The fact that Chivas Brothers wanted something that was ‘old style stone’ has made this particular bridge so unique.
“It’s not often we’re asked to do bridges like this one, but when we are, it is a real privilege.
“Their desire to tie the structure into their brand has made it a very interesting project to work on, and the end result is sure to be admired by visitors to the distillery for many years to come.”
The Elgin-based firm was awarded the contract to begin work on the project last year – after impressing whisky bosses with its work on the Dalmunach distillery in Glen Carron in 2015.
A team of 17 engineers toiled over the three-arch bridge, which forms the entrance to the distillery’s visitor centre.
Robertson specialists also worked with architectural firm Archial Norr and the Blyth and Blyth engineering outfit.
Gordon Buist, production director at Chivas Brothers, added: “We are delighted with the aesthetics of the bridge, which really enhances our new entrance to The Glenlivet.”
The distillery was founded in 1824 and has produced single malt continuously for almost 200 years.
The drink is the biggest selling single malt whisky in the United States, and the second biggest globally.
