The moment that everyone’s been waiting for has finally arrived – Falkirk Council have granted planning permission for the long-awaited restoration of Rosebank. Ian Macleod Distillers announced its decision to rescue one of the great ‘lost distilleries’ of Scotland back in October 2017. Since then there have been endless site visits and meetings with planners and architects, as well as a protracted public enquiry. Now, having been given the green light, work on the £12 million project is expected to begin without delay.
In the months to come we will share all the latest news with you as plans take shape, but here’s what we can say at this point; The Rosebank chimney, a famous Falkirk landmark, will be retained along with other historically significant buildings, while the distillery itself will be a contemporary design and run on the most energy-efficient lines possible. Annual production will be no more than a million litres of pure alcohol from the three new stills built to the exact same specifications as Rosebank’s original stills that were stolen by copper thieves in 2008.
This commitment to preserving all that made Rosebank such a special whisky really matters to Ian Macleod Distillers. Leonard Russell, Managing Director, explained: “We will strive to replicate the unique Rosebank style by once more employing the techniques of triple distillation and worm-tub condensers, for which this iconic Lowland single malt is famed.”
“Our investment goes beyond production” he added. “We’re proud to be investing in Falkirk by adding to the town’s flourishing economy and tourism scene with a new Rosebank Visitor Centre to help tell the story of this remarkable distillery.” A wide range of tours will be available, and up to 50,000 visitors a year are expected. Some tours may even offer the very last drams of Rosebank distilled prior to the distillery’s closure in 1993.
It’s a tantalising prospect, but for those who can’t wait some of the precious casks inherited by Ian Macleod Distillers, are due to be bottled and put on sale later this year. All being well, the new distillery will be open to visitors in late 2020, having created 25 full-time jobs in the process.
To keep up to date with with the progress of Rosebank’s revival, subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and plans.
I look forward to a visit and dram and maybe a bottle to keep.
Collis Oldfield.
Can’t wait for the return of the icon!!
So excited ! Can’t wait
Can’t wait to purchase some of the whisky that you have in casks.
We’re sure you’re not the only one who’s excited for another Rosebank dram!
Wishing you all the best in this new venture.
Thats good news. I hope you have a lot of prosper and a lot of fun. For making a great whisky.lots of love from the Netherlands.
Looking forward with anticipation
Fantastic for the Falkirk community!
Well done for keeping the momentum going with the planning and councils red tape turning it to green!!!
Wondered if I may assist you guys with your printed graphics and signage
We’re looking forward to starting work Cliff! Thanks for the offer, but there’s still a long road ahead of us before we’re at that stage. Do join our newsletter to stay up to date with plans as work progresses.
Delighted with the news the plans are now approved. This is a tremendous fillip to the town and provides that missing link in the canal corridor. I wish you every success.
Fantastic news. Look forward to seeing the rebirth of a great whisky
Can’t wait for those bottles to go on sale; been following this adventure for a couple of years now. Good luck all at Rosebank!
Thanks Gordon, glad to hear you are as excited as us!
I’m one of your new neighbours in the flats next to the distillery Looking forward to the finished item – not sure about the construction period but should be worth it in the end!
We’ll be sure to remain respectful to our neighbours Iain. We’re excited to get started!