In what is a major strategic move by the University, the former paper mill at Guardbridge is being transformed into a modern working environment for key professional staff.

Edem Mill’s planning application for the £3.1 million development forms part of a longer term £8m investment programme.

The new facility aims to achieve a zero carbon footprint with an emphasis on sustainable whisky production and will result in an increase of whisky capacity from the 300,000 litres per annum to over one million bottles per year.

Co-founder Paul Miller said: “The Eden Mill at the Eden Campus is the perfect location to create our innovative new distillery and production facility.

“The demand for the Eden Mill wide range of whisky and gin products is growing at a rapid pace and this modern new plant will help us satisfy that demand and expand even further. It will also create a great new working environment for all of the team behind Eden Mill’s continued success.”

The upgrade involves around £1.1m in building works and £2m in plant expansions. The architectural practice for the project is Glasgow-based Opfer Logan.

Lead architect on the project, David Martin, said: “We believe the design strategy driving this project reflects the creativity behind the Eden Mill brand and their award-winning portfolio of gins, whiskies and beers.”