LOCH Lomond Group has secured planning permission and started construction on a new distillery and visitor centre in Luss.
The 5,362 sqm site on the banks of Loch Lomond has been granted permission by Argyll and Bute Council and Luss Estates, to repurpose the old Luss smokehouse and surrounding land on Church Road into a distillery and visitor centre with access paths to create a mixed-use development.
Completion is anticipated for summer 2025. The plans will create a new home for the firm’s Loch Lomond Whisky brands as well as a distillery for the Ben Lomond Gin brand. The new visitor attraction and brand experience is expected to draw thousands of whisky and gin enthusiasts and tourists.
The multi-million pound development will offer guided tours of the distillery, as well as immersive brand experiences at its discovery centre and tastings.
The site will also boast a food and drink offering and a retail space housing the full range of the group’s scotch whisky brands, Loch Lomond, Glen Scotia, and Littlemill as well as Ben Lomond Gin products. There will also be a new collection of merchandise and product editions and expressions.
Colin Matthews, founder and CEO of Loch Lomond Group and director of the Scotch Whisky Association, said, “This significant multi-million-pound investment in a new distillery and visitor experience marks another major milestone for The Loch Lomond Group. The investment comes despite the challenges facing our industry and it reflects our confidence in the local community and the long-term resilience of Scotch whisky and distilling in Scotland.
“However, it comes at a time when the UK Government’s ill-conceived tax hikes, broken promises of support, and unfair regulations are creating major obstacles for distilling in Scotland to remain competitive. For investments like this to succeed, the government must change course urgently by taking a common sense approach to support our industry, enabling job creation and economic growth, and ensuring fair competition on a global stage.
“Scotland’s spirits are sold to the world, and that should not be taken for granted by our government. It’s time for real change and real action, not just empty words and broken promises. The successful completion of this new project in Luss will allow us to share the rich heritage and natural beauty of the area which inspires all our spirits, with visitors from around the world.
“The development is a testament to our commitment to innovation, quality, and investing in the spirits industry in Scotland. The result will be a truly unique destination that supports the local community, creates new jobs, and showcases the very best of what we have to offer across the Loch Lomond Group.”
