Plans outlined for new whisky distillery in heart of Speyside

Scotland’s whisky hotspot could see a new addition after plans were outlined for a major Speyside distillery.

Patricia Dillon, managing director of Speyside Distillers, which already operates the Speyside Distillery near Kingussie.

Speyside Distillers, which operates the Speyside Distillery near Kingussie, has revealed its intention to build a “state-of-the-art” facility in the region as part of its expansion plans. The full plans, including location and design, have yet to be unveiled.

The firm – which is best known for its award-winning Spey single malts – has also recently taken on two new members of distilling staff to assist with increased production.

Managing director Patricia Dillon said: “Last year was challenging for us, as it was for most businesses dealing with Covid-19. With our industry also facing the added problem of US tariffs, we have had to change our strategy to find new and innovative ways to drive our business forward.

“In 2019 we committed to increasing our distillate to meet rising demand, and this year we are producing five times our normal rates.

“Our plans for a new distillery will ensure that we can continue to distil the quantities of whisky required, while also allowing us room for further expansion.

“Although our full plans – including location and design – are currently under wraps, we’re looking forward to sharing more as they unfold over the coming months and years.”

Chief executive John Harvey McDonough said the distillery would be the perfect next step for the Spey brand and his Harvey family legacy.

“Building a new distillery is obviously a major commitment, and we are incredibly excited about the opportunities it shall bring for our single malt whisky brands,” he said.

“In recent months we have brought in two new team members – Martin MacLeod and Raymond MacKay – to assist long-serving employee Andrew Scorgie and distillery manager Allan Findlay, which will allow us to maintain the levels of production required to match demand.

“It’s important to us that we continue to embrace experience and history within the whisky industry, while also continuing to innovate and nurture new talent to ensure its bright future.”

Speyside Distillers exports its spirits to 32 countries. The distillery is known for its single malt whiskies – Spey and Beinn Dubh – made using traditional methods, as well as Byron’s Gin.

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