A quarter of a million-pound funding injection is set to support an exciting new business and tourist attraction for Mid Argyll.
At a meeting of the Policy and Resources committee, Councillors gave the green light to an allocation of £250,000 from the Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund to Scottish Canals for the Gleaner Phase 2 project.
The project seeks to develop the remainder of the former Gleaner oil depot site in Ardrishaig into a craft whisky distillery with visitor facilities including a courtyard, viewing terrace, tasting spaces and accommodation.
For this second phase, Scottish Canals, the landowner, will work in partnership with Spectrum Spirits Limited to deliver the regeneration of both the former Gleaner site and the adjacent Pier Square.
The project will support an estimated fifteen full time equivalent jobs and aims to attract up to 15,000 visitors per annum.
This grant will support the redevelopment and remediation of the northern section of the former oil depot which will house the distillery, office accommodation and servicing facilities. Situated next to Pier Square, the site is part of the Crinan Canal terminus, an important landmark in the heart of Mid Argyll.
The aim is not only to deliver a craft distillery but also support the existing restaurant and proposed accommodation at Pier Square to provide an attractive destination for both residents and visitors.
Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council said: “This exciting project for the area will complete the Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund. It seeks to deliver a fantastic new facility which is capable of creating new jobs, enhancing the appearance of this derelict site for the local community, encouraging more visitors to stop in Ardrishaig and providing a further welcome boost to the local economy.”
In 2016, the Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund was created with £3million allocated to support regeneration and economic development in Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig and Tarbert.
The first phase of the Gleaner project completed in 2019 with delivery of the Egg Shed facility, public realm and parking works in Ardrishaig.
Other projects, all of which have completed, include work on Lochgilphead Front Green, harbour facilities at Tarbert, Ardrishaig public realm improvements, Argyll Street in Lochgilphead and Barmore Road/Garvel Road junction improvements in Tarbert.
