A PROPOSAL to build a new distillery on Islay between Port Ellen and Laphroaig is beginning a public consultation.
When completed, Elixir Distillers, which owns the Port Askaig and Elements of Islay brands, will submit a planning application to build the new distillery, maltings and maturation store, visitor centre with shop and restaurant on land south and east of Farkin Cottage.
Argyll and Bute Council’s planning committee was officially notified of Elixir Distillers’ proposal on Wednesday. If approved, building could start in 2019 and distillation in 2020 – the same year whisky returns to the silent Port Ellen distillery. In October last year Diageo, which operates Caol Ila and Lagavulin distilleries on Islay, revealed plans to reopen Port Ellen distillery, which has been closed since 1983.