A SCOTTISH distillery has reached a major milestone as it prepares for its grand opening this summer.
The stills have now arrived at the Cabrach distillery, where whisky is to be produced once again for the first time in 170 years.
Made by the world-renowned coppersmiths Forsyths in nearby Rothes, the stills have been transported to Inverharroch Farm, where a 19th century stone steading has also been restored.
In addition to the distillery, the steading will also eventually house a café and a heritage centre.
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Forsyths’ chairman Richard Forsyth said: “We are honoured to use our decades of expertise in helping to build some of the finest distilleries in the world to support The Cabrach Trust in realising its innovative vision for the distillery.
“The trust’s unique status as a community interest company will directly benefit the local Moray community.
“Also the Cabrach as a location is famed for the vital part it played in Scotland’s malt whisky story.
“These two factors were the main draws for us to become involved with supporting the project as much as possible.”
The distillery is scheduled to open in August, and will produce 100,000 litres of spirit each year, with barley sourced from adjacent fields and nearby farms.
It will also create a dozen full-time jobs and 50 volunteering opportunities, with all future profits legally enshrined to further progress the trust’s regeneration vision.
CEO of The Cabrach Trust Jonathan Christie commented: “The Cabrach is renowned for its role in the birth of malt whisky.
“Whisky distilleries are so often the lungs of the rural communities, and our new distillery will anchor our regeneration vision, creating much-needed permanent, skilled employment.
“It will attract thousands of visitors to this special place, who will be able to discover the area’s rich history, heritage and natural beauty.”
Ahead of the opening in August, four local distilleries have all donated single casks which have been blended to create The Feering, which is the Cabrach’s inaugural release.
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