The plans include a comprehensive upgrade of the distillery visitor experience with a new upper floor to tell the Clynelish story, as well as a new bar and tasting area offering views of the Sutherland coast. The area surrounding the distillery will also benefit from enhanced landscaping. 

The plans are part of a £150 million investment in Scotch whisky tourism by distilling company Diageo, focused on the Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker.

Clynelish Distillery shares its location with the iconic Brora Distillery, which closed in 1983. Work is already under way to bring Brora back into production as part of a separate £35m investment programme that will also revive distilling at Port Ellen Distillery on Islay.

Jacqueline James-Bow, Clynelish Distillery brand home manager, said: “This announcement is very exciting and we want to thank the Highland Council and all our neighbours for their continued support.

“This is an important step forward on our journey to transform the Clynelish visitor experience and everyone involved is very much looking forward to work getting underway.”