The micro-distillery, which plans to open in Luss in May 2021, will be the first distillery and brewery on the shores of Loch Lomond and the first combined beer and spirits production site within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Using existing vacant premises in the village of Luss, the team behind the project say Glen Luss distillery will provide a year-round visitor experience.
The initial round of crowdfunding, which has just been announced, will see investors become members of the "Founders’ Club", with a range of benefits on offer including private tours, distilling masterclasses, early access to new products, inaugural first releases, and an invitation to an annual private members’ event.
Trystan Powell, director of visitor experience for Glen Luss Distillery, said: “We are excited to develop a sustainable visitor experience for the estimated million tourists who visit Luss each year."
Powell explained that Glen Luss Distillery will produce a range of premium drinks including a single malt Scotch whisky, a locally sourced botanical infused gin, several aged and new make rums and even a small batch vodka.
These will be available through the visitor attraction, as well as wholesaled to on-trade and off-trade domestically and through the export market.
Daniel Lewis, director of operations for Glen Luss Distillery, added: “The Scottish food and drink industry is world-renowned for its focus on quality and provenance. At the distillery, we will utilise locally sourced ingredients to create a range of drinks inspired by Luss’ history and heritage."
Glen Luss Distillery has held initial positive consultations with several groups and stakeholders in the development of the business plan including local community representatives, politicians, tourism bodies, local businesses, and the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
It is estimated that twenty-six jobs will be created, and the aim is to draw a significant number of these personnel from the local community. Modern Apprenticeships will be provided to support the development of skills within this local workforce.
“With community benefit at the heart of our vision, the distillery will also commit 5 per cent of profits annually, for an initial period of ten years, to a Community Development Fund for projects in the Luss and Arden area,” explained Patrick Colquhoun, sales director at Glen Luss Distillery.
