Dunrobin Castle has lodged a planning application with the Highland Council to ask for permission to turn several of the buildings within the castle grounds into a new craft distillery, tasting room, shop and warehouse.
If approved, the new distillery, designed in collaboration with Lachlan Stewart Studio, will provide eight jobs for the local community.
The Castle, which was built in the 13th century, continues to be the family seat of the Clan Sutherland.
Under the plans the castle's former powerhouse would be transformed into the distillery, while the former icehouse and larder would be turned into a tasting room and a storehouse for botanicals.
Another building on the grounds would be renovated to become the site's warehouse.
A statement provided with the plans said: “Unlike many whisky distilleries, Dunrobin Highland Distillery can offer a holistic approach to the production of whisky.
“The estate has unique access to its own private water source – Cagar Foesaig – the source which is located deep inland within the mountain ranges on the estate […]
“The estate owns and manages some of the Highland’s prime arable farmland and currently grows barley for other large local distilleries. Some of this barley is also milled in Golspie Mill – formerly Dunrobin Mill – which has been operational since 1863 and could be used to mill limited runs of barley for use in the new distillery.”
The Council will now consider whether to approve the planning application.
