The £8 million malt whisky distillery, to be built on a four-acre site at Ardnahoe near Port Askaig, on the North East coast of the island.

Andrew Laing, director, Hunter Laing & Co, said: “We have shown formidable growth in the last two years and the time is now right for us to invest for the future.

“While this is our family’s first foray into distilling, my father’s 50 year record of blending quality products of high demand and our three generations of expertise in the whisky industry ensures we enter this venture with strong confidence.”

The build is planned in two phases, with the first seeing the establishment of distilling operations, warehousing and a visitor centre comprising of a café, tasting room and shop.

The second phase will see an expansion of distilling operations and further warehousing.

If Hunter Laing is given permission for the project, land owned by Islay Estates will be transferred to the bottler.

Lord Margadale, chairman of Islay Estates, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Hunter Laing in the development of a new distillery on Islay.

“This project will contribute considerably to the island’s economy through the direct provision of jobs, it will also increase the demand for barley from Islay farmers and add to the attraction of Islay as a destination for the increasing number of followers of Scotch whisky around the world.

“Islay is a beautiful, tranquil and fertile island that is famed for its distinctive whisky; this is an exciting opportunity to build on this reputation and to help secure a strong economic future for the Island.”

Contractors for the build have been identified and will begin cutting turf in May 2016. The distillery will create several full-time positions on the island, as well as a number of seasonal roles.

Now the application has been submitted to the council, a 21-day public consultation period will begin.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.