Diageo submits Port Ellen Distillery revival plans

Diageo has submitted a detailed planning application to Argyll & Bute Council in Scotland to re-utilise the Port Ellen Distillery on Islay Island.

The facility has been closed for more than three decades. The application was submitted by Diego after completing pre-application consultation and community engagement.

In October 2017, Diageo announced the revival of the Port Ellen and Brora distilleries, which were closed in 1983. The company intends to open both distilleries with an investment of £35m ($45.6m).

Both facilities are expected to commence operations by 2021.

Under the new plans, Port Ellen will incorporate traditional and innovative distilling approaches, as well as be equipped with two pairs of copper pot stills.

The first production line will make use of two stills, while the second will use a smaller pair of stills to produce new whisky styles.

According to the development plan, Diageo intends to restore the original kiln building with its classic pagoda roof and traditional sea-front warehouses.

Lead of the Port Ellen project Georgie Crawford told media sources: “This is another hugely significant milestone on our journey to bring Port Ellen Distillery back to life.

“This is no ordinary distillery project, we are bringing a true whisky legend back to life and we believe our plans do justice to the iconic status of Port Ellen and will capture the imagination of whisky fans from all over the world.”

Last month, Diageo received permission from Argyll and Bute Council to upgrade its Caol Ila Distillery in Islay.