Whisky giant submits plans for distillery on Islay

Plans for a new whisky distillery on Islay have been submitted to Argyll & Bute Council

Whisky giant Chivas Brothers has revealed plans to build a new distillery on the isle of Islay.

It will be the first time the Scotch maker, which is responsible for single malts such as Aberlour and The Glenlivet, has had a presence on the island.

An application has been submitted to Argyll and Bute Council for a site at Gartbreck Farm in Bowmore with a decision expected by late March.

Islay is already one of Scotland's major whisky attractions with 10 distilleries including Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Lagavulin.

The oldest distillery on the island is Bowmore, which began operating in 1779 and is currently owned by the makers of American bourbon brand Jim Beam.

Chivas Brothers are partnering with Islay Estates on the new distillery, which said it would work closely with the community so there was minimal impact to residents.

Planning officials said the whisky makers hoped to make a "significant positive contribution" to Islay.

The plans include space for tours of the distillery, a designated gift shop and areas for tasting sessions.

They hope to host 72 visitors per day but do not expect any of these to be "new" tourists of the island.

Members of the public are able to view the plans and submit feedback on Argyll and Bute Council website.