Whisky experience to create 12 new jobs after Highland Council gives plans the green light
A dozen new jobs are to be created after plans for a new whisky experience in the Highland capital got the green-light.
The new whisky experience, dubbed Dramnation on artwork submitted alongside the application, first came to light back in the summer, when Kirkcaldy-based Davidson Baxter Partnership submitted a planning application for the proposal.
It will be housed in the long-vacant former Heroes For Sale comic book shop at 51 Church Street - and only a few steps away from the whisky bar The Malt Room.
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A supporting statement included alongside that application described the new venture as a showcase for local whiskies and distilleries from the Highlands and Islands “as well as stocking old and rare whiskies from across Scotland for the whisky lover”.
Its interior will be decorated in a “very traditional style”, and boast furnishings and bric-a-brac that shine a light on the history and processes involved in whisky making.
“The site would be drinks-focused and there will be no requirement for a commercial kitchen however there will be a small food preparation area to allow small snacks to be prepared to enhance the whisky tasting experience,” continued the supporting statement.
“The frontage would be fully refurbished bringing a welcome uplift to the Church Street façade.
“This would further enhance the thriving hospitality sector in the busy centre of Inverness, as well as providing modern and well-equipped whisky training facilities for small groups, visiting distillers, and local workers in the sector.”
Under the proposals the development will see a bar area created on the ground floor, with the business “providing a unique table service whisky journey with extensive menus and whisky flights offering the real taste of Scotland”. There would also be whisky retail displays.
The basement, meanwhile, will feature an open plan tasting room for “whisky tasting and education with a central table and multimedia wall for presentation purposes”. A small sensory room will also be in the basement to enable “small groups to experience, touch, smell and taste the components that make up different flavour profiles, such as the grains and peat, a variety of different types of whisky aging barrels, etc, as well as to learn about various items of whisky making equipment, and their importance to the rich tradition and history of whisky making.”
Although there are no plans to introduce a kitchen, the business will also have a small food preparation area for small bites and snacks to accompany the whisky experience.
The developers would also repaint the exterior stonework and replace signage.
Granting approval under delegated powers, Highland Council officers said: “There are no concerns regarding noise or amenity. Furthermore, [planning policies] identify the food and drink industry as a key sector and as the proposal promotes whisky, with its cultural and economic significance to the area, the proposal is welcomed.”
They continued: “The proposed alterations represent a significant improvement to the existing building and would result in an enhancement to the character of the [city centre’s] conservation area.”
Find out more about planning applications that affect you at the Public Notice Portal.
