Diageo whisky storage complex in Fife enters new phase

Diageo is constructing a total of 46 warehouses at Begg Farm near Kirkcaldy

Drinks giant Diageo is preparing to deliver the first Scotch whisky casks to its new warehousing complex in Fife, after completing the latest stage of the £150m project.

Two 64,500 sq ft warehouses have been completed this week, as well as the site's office and gatehouse facilities.

Diageo plans to build a total of 46 units at its Cluny Bond development near Kirkcaldy.

Each will be able to store up to 60,000 casks.

The remaining buildings are due for completion over the next year.

Diageo said between 150 and 200 construction workers were on site at any one time working on the project.

It added that the 545-acre complex at Begg Farm would lead to 25 direct jobs on site, as well as a potential 15 to 20 indirect jobs in the area.

The new Cluny Bond complex will be used to store additional maturing spirit needed to meet demand for brands such as Johnnie Walker.

The project forms part of a £1bn, five-year programme of investment in Scotch whisky capacity by Diageo.

'Welcome addition'

Diageo's operations director for warehouse and blending, Harry Fox, said the Cluny Bond complex would be a welcome addition to the company's operations in the area.

He added: "We have already seen significant investment and expansion projects completed at our Cameronbridge Distillery and Leven packaging plant and this new development reinforces our commitment not only to this area, but to our business in Scotland as a whole.

"This is a massive site with superb links to the road network and we have worked closely with Fife Council and neighbours throughout the development.

"Over the next few months we will be transporting thousands of casks of Scotch whisky for storage here, where they will be locked away and left to mature before making their way to the 180 countries around the world where the demand for Diageo's brands is growing on a daily basis."