Construction work at the site at Craggan had been due to start earlier this year but was delayed because of COVID-19 crisis restrictions.

Having appointed Morrison Construction as the main contractor for the project, Forsyths, of Rothes, has been awarded the contract to supply and install the distilling equipment.

Ewen Mackintosh, managing director of Elgin-based G&M, told The Press and Journal: “These appointments are the next major milestone in delivering this long-term project for the company. We look forward to working with these established businesses who are both highly experienced in their own field.”

Close to the River Spey, the facility will be the first new malt whisky distillery to be built in the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) area since its creation in 2003. The CNPA granted planning permission for the development last year.

Mr Mackintosh added: “We’ve been really heartened by the warm welcome we have received locally. As a family-owned business located in the north of Scotland we are very much rooted in our communities, and we are keen to develop strong relationships in Grantown and the surrounding area.”