AN ISLAY whisky distillery is to get a multi-million pound expansion, including a new still house.

The investment in Ardbeg by owner The Glenmorangie Company aims to be completed by 2019.

It will allow Ardbeg to cater to its growing global fan base.

Under the plans, a new still house would be built on a site once occupied by warehouses. The number of stills will double from two to four.

Despite the changes, Ardbeg will remain one of the smallest distilleries on the island. It follows an announcement in January to expand Glenmorangie’s distillery – including a new still house – in Tain.

Marc Hoellinger, CEO of Glenmorangie, said: “We are delighted by Ardbeg’s success since 1997 – and by the growing passion for our whisky from fans around the world. Ardbeg has been distilled on Islay since 1815 and, with a new still house, we will pave the way for future generations of smoky malt whisky lovers to discover The Ultimate Islay Malt.”