An application has been submitted to Highland Council to bring back ‘Ferintosh’ whisky in the heart of a legendary production region.

The Ferintosh area was once the largest producer of Scotch. In the late 18th century, a thousand people were employed in the local distilling industry. It is thought that Bonnie Prince Charlie drank Ferintosh whisky following his defeat at Culloden.

Trade boomed as a result of a unique tax break granted to the landowner by the King. However, the industry collapsed after this privilege was withdrawn in 1786.

Organic Architects has submitted a planning application to build a distillery, visitor centre, and warehouse on Mulchaich Farm, at Ferintosh on the Black Isle.

Bari Reid, director at Organic Architects, added: “The re-birth of Ferintosh whisky production here is a momentous occasion for Scotland and will bring numerous benefits to the local community.

“The distillery will allow visitors to discover the rich history of this Black Isle district which has been touched by the Jacobite rebellion, the Highland clearances and contained one of the first legal distilleries in Scotland.

“Given the significance of the archaeology on the farm, local archaeologists and Historic Environment Scotland have been consulted as the design work has progressed. We look forward to continuing to work with them, as well as the local farmer and community, to resurrect the infamous Ferintosh whisky.”

Subject to planning application approval, the distillery is set to create up to 30 skilled jobs.

Isle of Barra’s Asia deals

Isle of Barra Distillers has secured four export agreements with China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam.

Working with two distribution partners, this brings the independently owned distillery’s spirits to key Asian markets for the first time. 

The agreement follows the end-of-year financial results for 2024 showing a 26.2% increase in revenue for the island-based distillery from the previous year. 

Michael Morrison, co-founder and managing director of Isle of Barra Distillers, said:  “Export is a vital component of our business – last year we saw a massive 85% uplift year on year for export sales from deals across Europe and India and we’re feeling optimistic about 2025 despite the difficult market conditions.

“We’re incredibly grateful to our new export partners for collaborating with us and helping us bring a wee taste of our Hebridean home to new markets.”

Net zero distillery

Whisky company Diageo is investing in electrifying its operations at the Cameronbridge Distillery.

The site produces grain whisky used in blends such as Johnnie Walker as well as making Gordon’s and Tanqueray gin and Smirnoff vodka.

The move to using renewable electricity over the next two years is expected to cut carbon emissions by more than 90%.

Alex Robertson, the operations director at the plant, said: “This multimillion-pound investment is a significant step towards our 2030 ambition of net zero emissions in our direct operations and highlights our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

SP Energy Networks and InvestFife are also involved in the project.

Cameronbridge already has a bioenergy facility which generates heat and power from distillery by-products.