Malt whisky production to return to Moray 'birthplace'

An artist's impression of the planned Cabrach Distillery & Heritage Centre

Malt whisky production is to resume in its "birthplace" - a rural part of north-east Scotland - for the first time in 170 years.

Construction has started on the Cabrach Distillery with a foundation stone at a site in Inverharroch, Moray.

A 19th Century farmhouse will house the distillery and future heritage centre after £3.5m was sourced for the project.

It will showcase the craft and alchemy of making Scotland's national drink.

The distillery will operate as a social enterprise, with future revenues supporting the Cabrach Trust's regeneration mission.

• Archaeological dig of early whisky distillery in the Cabrach

Barley will be sourced from adjacent fields which will maintain a commitment to sustainability.

It is hoped the project will be completed next year, which will mark 170 years since the last time whisky was legally produced in the area.

'Put Cabrach on the map'

A significant change to legislation in 1823 meant three Cabrach families were compelled to establish legally-regulated distilleries on their farms.

The facilities flourished and real Cabrach whisky became highly regarded.

But various factors saw the distilleries close one by one, and the population of Cabrach declined to less than 100 people.

The centre will rise from the ruins at Blackmiddens in the Cabrach

Grant Gordon, founder and chairman of the Cabrach Trust, hopes the new distillery will regenerate the area as a "thriving and sustainable community".

Mr Gordon said: "Having laid this stone, it represents a critical milestone for the trust and we look forward to embarking on this exciting next chapter in the Cabrach story."

Richard Lochhead MSP said the project would put Cabrach on the map.

He said: "The Cabrach is a unique community with an incredibly rich heritage.

"The trust's ambitious regeneration plans promise to open a new chapter in its story. It is widely believed that the Cabrach is the birthplace of Scotch whisky and plans for a new distillery and heritage centre are not only fitting but also hugely exciting."

Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross, said: "This is fantastic news. As well as adding to the local economy, and hopefully attracting further investment, this project will create much-needed job opportunities and support more young people to live and work in the area."