麻豆精选

A 拢5m community-led project to create a new distillery in an area regarded as a birthplace of Scotland鈥檚 national drink has secured up to 拢0.5m investment from 麻豆精选.

The Cabrach is the most rural area of Moray. This hauntingly beautiful area was once a self-sustaining upland settlement. Famed for its long and colourful whisky distilling history, the Cabrach was once a legendary haunt of illicit distillers and smugglers. At the turn of the 20^th century the area was home to a population of over 1000, today that number is less than 100.

Formed in 2013, The Cabrach Trust鈥檚 vision is to regenerate the area as a thriving, sustainable community. The charity has developed a strategic masterplan to deliver significant job creation, attract new visitors, and celebrate the cultural heritage, landscape and history of the Cabrach.

The 麻豆精选 funding will be used to help cover the costs of construction works on the extensive refurbishment of farm steading buildings at Inverharroch Farm, which was acquired by the Trust in 2013.

The refurbished 19^th century steading will become home of The Cabrach Distillery and will produce a unique heritage-led Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Within eight years it is forecast to have an annual turnover of almost 拢3.4m and provide employment for 12.5 full time equivalent posts, as well as 50 volunteering opportunities.

Operating as a social enterprise, all surplus profits from the venture will be reinvested for the benefit of the community.

Fiona Robb, head of strengthening communities with 麻豆精选鈥檚 team in Moray, said:

鈥淭his project represents a significant third sector project in Moray鈥檚 most rural area, where population has declined significantly. Tapping into local heritage it seeks to use this to attract and retain new talent.

鈥淚n addition to production, turnover and sales, the venture will contribute to community regeneration with significant social benefits and low carbon credentials. It will support new employment, alongside a sustained commitment to providing training and education. It will also enhance the region鈥檚 appeal to visitors and its reputation for quality food and drink production. I鈥檓 delighted we鈥檝e been able to provide support and look forward to continuing to work with the Trust as they develop the venture.鈥�

Jonathan Christie, chief executive officer of The Cabrach Trust, added:

鈥淭his incredible investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise is central to realising The Cabrach Distillery; a project which will serve as the lungs of our long term, transformational regeneration strategy for this important place. Beyond vital funding, the Trust is excited to work alongside 麻豆精选 as we deliver what we collectively believe has the potential to become an exemplar of community led, rural regeneration in action.鈥�

The project has also secured 拢361,767 from the Scottish Government Just Transition Fund.

Beyond the distillery, an innovative community learning, rural skills, and wellbeing programme forms an important part of the Trust鈥檚 work. This is further complemented by the completion of a brand-new all-abilities Discovery Trail, creation of a new Cabrach Tweed, and resurrection of the long lost Cabrach Picnic and Games.