Community-owned distillery in the Highlands gets go-ahead for bonded warehouse
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A community-owned whisky distillery is set to establish a bonded warehouse to the west of Inverness as part of its operation.
GlenWyvis Distillery, based at Dingwall, has been given the go-ahead to alter existing farm buildings at Inchberry Steading at Lentran for storing casks for at least five years.
The distillery, owned by the GlenWyvis Community Benefit Society, was established in 2015 and is based at Scroggie Farm, Upper Dochcarty.
Highland Council planning officers have given permission using delegated powers for the warehouse subject to conditions including road improvements at the junction of the A862 and Lentran Road and the site entrance.
It also emerged an objection from the distillery was received from the founder of the GlenWyvis distillery and the landlord of the distillery site, John Mackenzie, who is no longer a board member. It mainly related to lorry movements from the distillery
But the planning appraisal stated: "Representations in relation to the existing distillery site (near Dingwall) are not material to the consideration of the current proposal.
"These will be considered separately with regards to that planning permission.
"There is no direct correlation between the operation of the distillery and the use of this site for a warehouse.
"It is not uncommon for bonded warehouse to be located separately from the distillery."
The alterations to the steading buildings include blocking up of window or door openings.
It is anticipated 80 casks – which represent 10 weeks production – will be moved from the distillery by an articulated lorry every 10 to 12 weeks.
It is unlikely any casks will be removed from Inchberry until at least five years.
The planning report stated: "The development of the site for storage and maturation of whisky is considered to be an acceptable use for an existing traditional agricultural steading. "There is sufficient space within the site for vehicle manoeuvring and it is a short distance from the site along the single track road to the main A862."
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