£250k boost for new whisky distillery in Caithness
The HIE funding will help meet the costs of plant and equipment and help lever in significant private sector investment to the project.
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The project, by Rothes Glen Limited (RGL), will create up to ten new full-time equivalent jobs in rural Speyside.
Rothes Glen was built in 1893 in the Scots baronial style. It was designed by the famous Inverness-based architect Alexander Ross and built by Charles Chree Doig, the legendary whisky architect who introduced the pagoda to the distilleries of Scotland.
It is a Grade B listed building that lies close to the River Spey near the village of Rothes. The area is best known for its scenery, salmon fishing, malt whisky production and as a popular destination for people seeking activity and sporting holidays.
RGL bought the property in 2019 to convert it from a private home into a high-end exclusive use venue with world-class hospitality aimed at attracting malt whisky connoisseurs. The HIE funding will go towards the £0.5m final phase of the alterations, which are due to be completed by the middle of 2021.
Thereafter the business will offer private luxurious malt whisky-themed holiday experiences as well as hosting high-quality industry events.
Angie Smith, HIE’s head of business growth in Moray, said:
“This project by RGL will enhance Moray-Speyside’s overall tourism offering. It will support rural jobs and other local industries, notably the food and drink sector. It will attract more high-spending visitors to the area and encourage them to stay longer, which will also benefit the wider local economy.
“We are very pleased to be able to provide support to this high-end tourism project and look forward to its successful opening.”
Damian Riley-Smith, CEO of Rothes Glen, said:
“It has been a long-held dream to extend Paragraph’s drinks brands into a physical reflection of everything we do. Converting Rothes Glen into the home of the whisky connoisseur brings this all together in one stunning, iconic location. With building regulations requiring so much additional work we are delighted HIE have been able to help us raise Rothes Glen back to its former glory.”
The HIE funding will help meet the costs of plant and equipment and help lever in significant private sector investment to the project.
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000.
The new product has been developed by Dunoon-based former construction industry director Allister Wood
There was support for businesses and social enterprises to lower emissions and improve efficiencies within their operations.
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in Moray are forecast to see combined turnover rise by more than £85m and international sales by almost £14m.
The project is expected to continue to attract innovative marine businesses, creating new well-paid job opportunities, particularly for young people, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
As a result of HIE support, businesses in the area will see total turnover rise by £14.5m and international sales by £1.9m.
Figures show HIE approved £1.5m investment across 18 Shetland projects in 2023-24
Figures compiled by HIE show that businesses and communities supported by the agency in 2023/24 are set to create or retain more than 1,200 jobs across the region.
Six talented young people working at HIE over the past two years have secured permanent positions, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable skills to HIE’s economic and community development efforts.
Beinn an Tuirc Distillery is investigating the development of two new canned ready to drink (RTD) cocktail recipes.
£250k helped leverage a further £3.6m in national investment