Dal Riata Distillery noted recently it has been awarded planning permission by local government officials to build a new distillery called “Dal Riata” on the banks of Campbeltown Loch. The development will be mixed use, featuring a distillery, museum, visitor center and retail outlet.
The £4.5 million investment into this independent venture will provide employment for around 20 local people, and Dal Riata Distillery has pledged to provide trainee positions for those seeking a career in the burgeoning Scotch Whisky industry.
The name ‘Dal Riata’ (The Kingdom of Alba) was used during the 6th and 7th centuries and encompassed an area including Argyll, Kintyre, Islay, Jura, Mull, Ardnamurchan, Cowal and a northeast corner of Ireland. The capital of Dal Riata was Dunadd Fort, where the new distillery intends to grow the barley for their own single malt Scotch Whisky.
Dal Riata Distillery noted recently it has been awarded planning permission by local government officials to build a new distillery called “Dal Riata” on the banks of Campbeltown Loch. (image via Dal Riata)
The vision behind the creation of Dal Riata comes from two long-term whisky enthusiasts – Iain Croucher who is founder and owner of independent whisky bottlers North Star Spirits, and business entrepreneur Ronnie Grant.
“To be working within Scotch Whisky is beyond a blessing,” said Croucher in a prepared statement. “The ladies and gents that came before who created such as strong and powerful industry, which we are now custodians, comes with great responsibility. We must preserve this vital global asset for future generations to enjoy and thrive.”
“Gaining planning permission is a massive step forward in fulfilling our dream to bring a new distillery to Campbeltown,” added Grant. “We have been humbled by the positive reaction we have received from both local people and the wider whisky community. Campbeltown is a special little place which is certainly on the up and we can’t wait to become a part of its bright future.”
“Campbeltown holds an important and special place in the history of Scotch Whisky,” said Charlie Maclean MBE, Master of the Quaich. “Two hundred years ago, some 25 distilleries were producing 748,000 gallons (3.5 million litres) of spirit according to The Imperial Gazetteer of Scotland. In recent times the number of operating distilleries has significantly dwindled, but the news that The Dal Riata Distillery has been granted planning permission is splendid. Iain Croucher and his team know their whiskies.”
Dal Riata’s owners seek to pay homage to the history of Campbeltown by incorporating a museum within the visitor center dedicated to telling the story of the town’s long and proud association with whisky distillation.
The distillery will also feature glass frontage enabling views of the two large copper stills as they distil whisky. A raised balcony will offer views of Campbeltown Loch, whilst acting as an event and tasting space.
Nino Kilgore-Marchetti is the founder of The Whiskey Wash, an award winning whiskey lifestyle website dedicated to informing and entertaining consumers about whisk(e)y on a global level. As a whisk(e)y journalist, expert and judge he has written about the subject extensively, been interviewed in various media outlets and provided tasting input on many whiskeys at competitions. He also maintains a large private collection of whiskey from which he continually educates his palate on this brown spirit type.
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