Plans for a new distillery near Bannockburn have recently been approved by the local authority.
Stirling Council have granted planning permission to Organic Architects to build a multi-million pound distillery on the grounds of Auchenbowie House. Reports of the plans first broke last October, and now those behind the distillery can finally move ahead with their ambition.
Organic Architects specialise in building sustainable distilleries and were involved in the planning and construction for Lindores Abbey, Nc’nean and Ardnamurchan, as well as the forthcoming Moffat distillery.
The distillery is set to be built in the neglected grounds of the A-Listed Auchenbowie House and is part of a long-term plan to enhance and improve the Auchenbowie Estate.
Auchenbowie House has a long and colourful history of its own and counts Robert Burns and Winston Churchill among its former guests. However, the wider estate is said to have fallen into disrepair over the last few decades.
Bari Reid, director at Organic Architects, said: “Receiving approval for this project is an important milestone and we’re excited to begin the work of bringing the Auchenbowie walled garden back into use. For decades, this area has stood empty and overgrown – but it has immense potential.
“Our design celebrates the character of the site and the rich history of the estate, while also delivering something new and relevant for today.
“The distillery buildings will sit within the garden walls like elegant Victorian greenhouses. At the heart of the design is a glasshouse overlooking a water garden, which doubles as a cooling system for the distillation process.”
Reid concluding by saying that “it’s a project where sustainability, heritage and craftsmanship come together – and we can’t wait to see it take shape.”
The as-yet-unnamed distillery will provide a boost for the local economy by creating 15 jobs, as well as offering opportunities for other business, particularly in the agricultural and hospitality sectors.
However, there has been no indication that the distillery will be to open to the public, as no visitor centre, retail space, or bars are included in the plans.
Construction is set to begin in 2026 with the distillery planned to be operational by 2027. At the time of writing, there’s been no word on who will lead the spirit side of the project.
When the distillery was announced last year, Reid noted that they will have the capability to produce both gin and whisky: “The intention is to start making new make for whisky on day one. The gin isn’t planned for cashflow like you may see at other new distilleries, the plan is just to make great spirits.”
Opening a private distillery at first feels like an unusual move, given the popularity of new distilleries such as those mentioned above - both in terms of their whisky and as attractions. Even micro-distilleries such as Auchenbowie’s neighbour Stirling Distillery offer a range of gin and whisky experiences.
Nevertheless, a new distillery is always an exciting prospect and we’re looking forward to seeing what comes from the Auchenbowie project.
