Sustainable distilling experts Organic Architects, have announced that they have submitted a planning application to Highland Council for a new whisky distillery, visitor centre and warehouse on Mulchaich Farm, located in the district of Ferintosh on the Black Isle.

The proposal intends to bring distilling back to the heart of this once legendary whisky producing region of the 18th century – to start the production of ‘Ferintosh’ whisky again.

The Ferintosh area was once the largest producer of Scotch. In the late 18th century, one thousand people were employed in the local distilling industry, with few left to farm the land. It is widely thought that Bonnie Prince Charlie drank Ferintosh whisky following his defeat at Culloden.

Ferintosh whisky enjoyed a booming whisky trade in the 1700’s as a result of a unique tax break granted to the landowner by the King. The local whisky industry collapsed after this privilege was withdrawn in 1786, as lamented in Robert Burns’ poem Scotch Drink: Thee Ferintosh! O sadly lost! Scotland, lament frae coast to coast! Now colic grips, an’ barkin’ hoast May kill us a’; For loyal Forbes’ charter’d boast Is ta’en awa!’.

Organic Architects was established in 2009. Based in Helensburgh on the west coast the company is led by a team which includes former National Trust conservation architect Andrea Wise, architect and eco-distilling specialist Gareth Roberts, as well as distillery construction specialist Bari Reid who is based on the Isle of Mull.

Commenting on the news, Bari Reid, Director at Organic Architects, said: “The re-birth of Ferintosh whisky production here is a momentous occasion for Scotland and will bring numerous benefits to the local community. The distillery will allow visitors to discover the rich history of this Black Isle district which has been touched by the Jacobite rebellion, the Highland clearances and contained one of the first legal distilleries in Scotland. Given the significance of the archaeology on the farm, local archaeologists and Historic Environment Scotland have been consulted as the design work has progressed. We look forward to continuing to work with them, as well as the local farmer and community, to resurrect the infamous Ferintosh whisky.”

Subject to planning application approval, the distillery is set to create up to thirty skilled jobs.