Scottish drinks giant planning demolition of island's oldest distillery

The oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye could end up looking completely different, as plans have been submitted to demolish part of it.

The distillery was founded in 1830, and, if plans are approved, would get a revamp to increase production.

The Proposal of Application Notice states there would be a demolition of existing production facilities. This is to build a new distillery and increase Talisker's existing output.

Talisker has teamed up with the Three Chimneys to launch a new dining experience this spring.

As well as more space, the plans list the sustainability aspects of the new build, stating: “sustainable technologies, with associated support facilities at the site, together with all associated infrastructure, including new access, drainage, outfall, road improvement and landscaping works”.

A Diageo spokesperson said: “As a business we continually review our production footprint in support of our long-term growth ambitions for Scotch and the Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) for Talisker Distillery allows us to explore and evaluate potential options. 

“A public consultation will form part of the PAN however at this point in time we have no firm plans for investment. Details of the public consultation arrangements will be shared in due course where the community will be able to view these proposals and provide feedback.”

Talisker is one of 31 Scotch whisky distilleries owned by Diageo, which also owns the Johnnie Walker Experience in Edinburgh. Recently, Scotch whisky hit £6bn in exports and accounts for about 21% of food and drink tourism to Scotland. 

The whisky industry has sustainability targets set by the Scotch Whisky Association.

Earlier this year, Talisker distillery and five-star rated restaurant The Three Chimneys came together for the first time to launch ‘The Three Chimneys at Talisker’, a new pop-up dining experience.

A concept from the former award-winning restaurant’s head chef, Scott Davies and general manager, Krzysztof Dudkowski, ‘The Three Chimneys at Talisker’ is hosted at the distillery’s newly designed waterfront space on the shores of Loch Harport.