Tarbert distillery toasts £1.9m Scottish Government grant
January 21 2013
The grant has been made available to The Isle of Harris Distillery and means that construction work could start on a £5.5m ‘distillery of architectural merit’ that is inspired by the environment, heritage and culture of Harris by the end of the year.
Designed by John Coleman Architects the distillery would produce a new single malt whisky, a first for the island, in a bid to sate the palette of a growing number of whisky aficionados worldwide.
Isle of Harris Distillers founder Anderson Bakewell said: "We are absolutely delighted by this recognition from the Scottish Government of the long-term benefits the distillery would bring to the people of Harris.
“The award adds to the momentum which this project has generated and increases significantly the likelihood that this once-in-a-generation opportunity will not be squandered.
“Everyone in the islands can look forward with real excitement to the prospect of an initiative which promotes the assets of the islands throughout the world and serves as a catalyst for economic development locally.”
3 Comments
#1 Posted by wonky on 22 Jan 2013 at 11:09 AM
Great news. Always thought it was strange why there was no distillery in the Outer Hebrides. It couldn't have happened at a better time, with the expansion of the whisky industry. I'm sure this makes financial sense, and confident this will yield a profit. Even a handful of new jobs in Harris is a boon, particularly in this financial climate.
#2 Posted by yonky on 23 Jan 2013 at 01:36 AM
There is already a distillery in the Outer Hebrides (Abhainn Dearg).
This new is good, however Peter Zumthor was originally appointed to design this building, had the kept him, this news would have been great no doubt.
This new is good, however Peter Zumthor was originally appointed to design this building, had the kept him, this news would have been great no doubt.
#3 Posted by wonky on 24 Jan 2013 at 12:37 PM
From wonky to yonky, please accept my apologies. I did a lot of business in the Western Isles, mainly Lewis-Harris, pre-2007, so at that time there was no distillery. I have been back once, last year; but this was a purely wilderness retreat thingymabob...hill walking, wildlife expeditions etc. So I still didn't realise there was a distillery in Lewis. Thanks to you I do now. Just ordered a Spirit of Lewis for 28.00. Not bad. Still, its good to have a distillery in Harris as well. One on either side of a big island a'int too bad when you consider how many Islay has. Let's hope it's a success. The design does look a little bland though, particularly when you look at other radical designs, such as the Isle of Arran distillery in Lochranza. I don't think we can knock the financial side of the news though.
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