Work to start on new Fife distillery

The firm hopes to welcome the first visitors to the new distillery next summer

Work is to start soon on a new single malt whisky distillery and visitor centre in Fife.

Kingsbarns Company of Distillers Ltd said it had gained final planning permission to renovate and convert an existing farm steading near Kingsbarns.

Last year, the company secured £670,000 in public funds towards the cost of the project, which includes a new mash turnkey malt distillation system.

The cash came from the Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Scheme.

Building work at the distillery will begin with preservation of the historic Dutch pan tile roof and 18th century stonework, followed by initial land preparation.

It is expected to take about a year to complete the building, with a view to welcoming the first visitors as distilling commences in summer 2014.

The business is run by the Wemyss family, who already own Wemyss Malts - an independent bottler with a whisky range which includes The Spice King, The Peat Chimney and The Hive.

Commenting on behalf of the family, William Wemyss said: "It's been a busy few months working with Historic Scotland, Fife Council planners and a team of architects, designers and engineers to get to this point where we can start to turn the plans into reality.

"Building a distillery is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and we're looking forward to playing our part in the reinvigoration of the Fife distilling tradition."