Annandale Distillery Plans Approved

[John]

Plans have been approved to reopen a whisky distillery in southern Scotland which closed more than 90 years ago.

The Annandale Distillery ceased production in 1919 and the area was turned over to farming use.

However, a £4m project has now been granted the green light to start the distilling process once again.

The Scottish Whisky Association said that with only five distilleries in the lowland region it would be a "very welcome addition".

It said a new distillery could bring sustainable benefits to the local economy in terms of both employment and tourism.

The plans also include proposals for a visitor centre, shop and cafe or restaurant.

It hopes to attract about 25,000 people every year once it is fully operational.

The scheme was approved by Dumfries and Galloway Council's Annandale area committee when it met on Wednesday.

It received Scottish government support two years ago with a Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) grant of £150,000.

Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said at the time he hoped the funding would help in "resurrecting whisky production" in Annandale.

John

Source: BBC News