GlenWyvis distillery in Dingwall welcomes warehouse go-ahead as it prepares for release of first single malt
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A community-owned whisky distiller is toasting the success of a planning application that will provide valuable storage space while it prepares for the historic release of its first single malt.
GlenWyvis secured approval for a bonded warehouse at Inchberry Steading in Lentran, where casks will be stored for a minimum of five years.
The distillery, owned by the GlenWyvis Community Benefit Society, was established in 2015 and is based at Scroggie Farm in Dingwall.
Hundreds of people took up the offer of buying a stake in the business which sits overlooking Ross-shire’s county town.
Highland Council gave approval for alterations to create a warehouse subject to conditions including road improvements at the junction of the A862 and Lentran Road and the site entrance.
The alterations to the steading buildings include blocking up of window or door openings.
It is anticipated 80 casks – which represent 10 weeks of production – will be moved from the distillery by an articulated lorry every 10 to 12 weeks.
Distillery manager, Matthew Farmer, said: “The team here at GlenWyvis are thrilled with the opportunity to give this traditional steading at Lentran a new lease of life.
“We currently have three years’ worth of production sitting in our first on-site warehouse and are looking forward to releasing our first single malt later this year. This second warehouse now gives us the necessary headroom for future production storage.
“Thanks to Kirkton Farms, we’ve been able to repurpose these old buildings for traditional stone, dunnage-style warehousing that is becoming increasingly rare and sought-after in the industry.
“Securing a rented lease right on our doorstep is very exciting, especially weighed against the cost of having to build brand new, modern storage. It’s also an important first step towards diversifying our stock storage so we don’t have all of our valuable wooden eggs in one basket.”
The planning appraisal stated that it is not uncommon for bonded warehouse to be located separately from the distillery and the site was appropriate for that use.
Related: GlenWyvis included in businesses that give back campaign
