European spirits company, Stock Spirits Group, owner of the Clan Campbell whisky brand, has lodged a Planning Application Notification with Argyll and Bute Council for the construction of a £25 million malt whisky distillery at Inveraray Castle, seat of the Duke of Argyll, chief of Clan Campbell.
Once completed, it will be named Inveraray Distillery and will create more than 20 local jobs. Clan Campbell is a popular Scotch whisky blend in France – and the plan is to produce a single malt whisky at Inveraray Distillery which could also be used in the Clan Campbell blend.
The brand currently sells 1.2 million nine-litre cases in Europe annually. It was acquired by Stock Spirits Group from Pernod Ricard in 2023.
The proposal is to build a 950 square metre distillery, capable of producing up to two million litres of alcohol per annum, within the grounds of Inveraray Castle. The Inveraray Distillery will also include a visitor centre which is expected to become a major local tourist attraction.
Subject to planning permission being granted, construction could commence early in 2025 with the first spirt being produced in 2027.
Torquhil Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll and Chief of Clan Campbell, said: “Inveraray Castle and Clan Campbell are inextricably linked, with the castle having been the Argyll family seat since the 15th century. To see Scotch whisky being distilled in the grounds will be a significant positive development – for the local community, for the castle and for Clan Campbell.”
Chief Executive of Stock Spirits Group, Jean-Christophe Coutures, said: “Clan Campbell Scotch whisky is an iconic whisky brand that has established strong links with the Duke of Argyll. I am proud that our company has the opportunity to establish a distillery near Inveraray Castle. This investment is an important step for the Group towards having its own single malt whisky production, which will strengthen the Clan Campbell brand and Stock Spirits’ presence in this growing category.
“Our state-of-the-art Inveraray Distillery will be equipped with the latest technologies, including those that are environmentally friendly. Its creation will also benefit the local community in the form of new jobs. We look forward to working with Argyll Estates on this next chapter in the Clan Campbell story.”
