Whisky-making is set to bring new life to a former oil depot on Ardrishaig’s waterfront in Scotland, after planning permission was secured to transform the disused site into a craft distillery and visitor destination. The development, led by John Moore, received approval from Argyll and Bute Council on 25 September 2026.
The project forms part of a wider waterfront redevelopment. Its first phase brought the nearby Steamer Terminal back into use. Approval for the distillery marks the next step in those plans.
The former oil depot has proved a challenging site to revive. Its industrial past has left a legacy of contamination that must be addressed through redevelopment. The distillery offers an opportunity to tackle those challenges. It will also return the land to productive use.
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READ THE STORYDesigned by Organic Architects, the development will combine craft whisky production with tours and tasting spaces. A courtyard, terrace and greenhouse will provide further spaces for visitors to enjoy alongside the working distillery.
Bari Reid, director of Organic Architects, said: “The ambition is to give people another reason to stop and spend time in Ardrishaig, contributing to the life of the village as well as making whisky. It’s particularly rewarding to help find a productive future for a site that has been difficult to bring back into use.”
With planning permission now secured, the focus turns to getting work under way. The team aims to bring this long-disused part of Ardrishaig’s waterfront back to life.
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Ardrishaig sits at the southern entrance to the Crinan Canal in Argyll, on Scotland’s west coast. The village lies close to Lochgilphead, the administrative center of Argyll and Bute.
The location places the distillery within the wider Campbeltown and west Highland whisky-producing region. Scotland’s whisky sector has seen a wave of new distillery openings over the past decade, with many operators pairing production facilities with visitor experiences to capture tourism revenue.
Distillery tourism has become an important income stream for Scotch producers. Visitor centers allow brands to sell directly to consumers, host tastings and build long-term customer loyalty.
