Work begins on first distillery in ‘birthplace of whisky’ for 170 years

The distillery will operate as a social enterprise when it opens next yearWhisky production is set to resume at its “birth place” in a rural part of north east Scotland for the first time in 170 years.Construction began on the Cabrach Distillery as the foundation stone was laid at a site in Inverharroch, Moray.A 19th century farmhouse will house the facility and a future heritage centre, after £3.5m was sourced for the project, which is set to showcase the craft of creating Scotland’s national drink.The distillery will operate as a social enterprise, with future revenues supporting the Cabrach Trust’s regeneration mission.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.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.Grant Gordon, founder and chairman of the Cabrach Trust, hopes the new distillery will regenerate Cabrach as a “thriving and sustainable community”, adding: “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.”Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “This is fantastic news for the area – 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.”Minister for Employment Richard Lochhead commented: “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 – this project will undoubtedly put the Cabrach on the map and I’m delighted this funding has been secured.”