A SCOTTISH distiller has been granted planning permission to start work on a multi-million pound redevelopment.

Ian Macleod Distillers will revamp the Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk after the lodging of a planning application in June last year and a subsequent public consultation process.

Falkirk Council has now given the green light to the Rosebank restoration, which is one of the most respected and sought-after Lowland single malt whiskies in the world.

Rosebank ceased production in 1993 when former owner UDV (now Diageo), mothballed the site and its maltings were converted into a restaurant.

After 25 years of lying dormant, the extensive work to revitalise the distillery is now expected to begin shortly. This will generate 25 full time equivalent jobs for the local economy when it commences distillation and opens to visitors around Autumn 2020.

Situated on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal, the revived distillery hopes to attract around 50,000 visitors a year to Falkirk and will offer a wide range of distillery tours, with some featuring the very last drams of Rosebank distilled prior to the distillery’s 1993 closure.

The distillery will be 1000-square metres and energy-efficient with a production capacity of up to one million litres of alcohol per year.

The Rosebank chimney will remain in place and other historically significant canal side buildings will be retained and refurbished for use as a visitor centre, tasting room, shop and warehouse space.

Leonard Russell of Ian Macleod Distillers said: “We’re delighted to have reached this significant milestone of the Rosebank redevelopment project. To bring back to life an iconic distillery and quintessential Lowland single malt is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Our investment goes beyond production. 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 whisky.

“Rosebank Distillery has a very special place in Scotland’s whisky heritage and we’re committed to ensuring this remains the case. We will strive to replicate the unique Rosebank style by once more employing the unique techniques of triple distillation and worm tub condensers, for which this iconic Lowland single malt is famed.”

Ian Macleod is purchasing the Rosebank site from its current owners, Scottish Canals.

Councillor David Alexander Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for economic development said: “It’s great to see the Rosebank Distillery coming back into use and this large investment on the site is to be welcomed. The backing from both parties has brought our vision to life and enabled the smooth running of this initial phase of the project.”