Spirits producers Loch Lomond Group have been granted planning permission for a new distillery and visitor centre in Luss, Dumbartonshire. The new distillery will sit in the shadow of Ben Lomond - a fitting location given one of their brands takes their name from the mountain.
Work is already underway on the multi-million pound investment and is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2025. The 5,362 square meter site will repurpose the old Luss smokehouse and surrounding lands to create to brand home for Loch Lomond Group’s Scotch whisky brands as well as their Ben Lomond gin.
Loch Lomond’s Scotch brands include their eponymous single malt, Campbeltown’s Glen Scotia and Littlemill. Each brand will benefit from the flagship retail space at the new distillery.
In addition to the retail offering, the new distillery will also offer guided tours and immersive band experiences for guests. Visitors will also be able to visit an onsite restaurant offering luxury food and drink.
It is hoped the new distillery will bring a boost to the local economy by creating new jobs and attracting thousands of tourists to the area.
Colin Matthews, founder and CEO of Loch Lomond Group, said: “This significant multi-million-pound investment in a new distillery and visitor experience marks another major milestone for the Loch Lomond Group. The successful completion of this new project in Luss will allow us to share the area’s rich heritage and natural beauty, which inspires all our spirits, with visitors from around the world.
“The development is a testament to our commitment to innovation, quality, and investing in the spirits industry in Scotland. The result will be a truly unique destination that supports the local community, creates new jobs, and showcases the very best of what we have to offer across the Loch Lomond Group.”
He added that “the investment comes despite the challenges facing our industry, and it reflects our confidence in the local community and the long-term resilience of Scotch whisky and distilling in Scotland”
Indeed, Loch Lomond Group seem to be thriving in spite of the current hardships facing the industry. The company recently announced ‘strong growth and global recognition’ for their spirits.
The news of the new distillery follows last year’s announcement that Loch Lomond are also investing in their Glen Scotia distillery. It was announced back in September that they intended to expand the production capabilities at the Campbeltown site. For more information on this story, check out our previous article ‘Campbeltown Distillery Earmarked for Expansion’.
