A new chapter in Scottish whisky history is set to unfold as plans were submitted last week for the revival of the legendary Ferintosh whisky production on its original Black Isle site.
Sustainable distilling specialists Organic Architects filed a planning application with Highland Council on February 13 for a new distillery, visitor center, and warehouse at Mulchaich Farm in the historic Ferintosh district of the Highlands. Subject to planning permission, the new distillery will create up to 30 skilled jobs for the local area.
Ferintosh Whisky’s Historic Significance
The Ferintosh area is considered to be a significant historical site for scotch whisky production. According to a brand press release, the area employed one thousand people in the late 18th century.
“Local tradition and archaeological evidence suggests that the ruins at Mulchaich Farm are the remains of one of the original Ferintosh distilleries,” said Bari Reid, Director at Organic Architects. “Today nothing remains of this lost region which was once Scotland’s biggest whisky producer and the site is used for sheep-grazing as part of the farmland at Mulchaich. The history of the site is the very reason for this proposal coming about, and the research that was carried out for this application has proven that there was distillation on this site.”
The site’s historical significance extends beyond mere production statistics. According to Susan Brook, Director at Buildings Archaeology Ltd, the area’s whisky heritage dates back to 1690, when Duncan Forbes of Culloden secured a unique royal privilege in the form of a tax break.
“The privilege produced an immediate boom in the production of the spirit and Ferintosh whisky became increasingly popular and important, both because of its quality and its price,” Brook explained. Production grew dramatically from 41,200 gallons in 1763 to 123,900 gallons in 1780.
Additionally, it is widely believed that Bonnie Prince Charlie — known for attempting to restore his father, James Stuart, to the throne as the leader of the Jacobite rebellion — drowned his sorrows in Ferintosh whisky following his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
Community Impact & Future Plans
The proposed development aims to create up to 30 skilled jobs in the region. “The re-birth of Ferintosh whisky production here is a momentous occasion for Scotland and will bring numerous benefits to the local community,” Reid stated.
The project would mark a significant return to whisky production for the area. The original Ferintosh whisky’s demise came in 1786 after the withdrawal of its unique tax privileges, a loss famously lamented in Robert Burns’ poem Scotch Drink:
“Thee Ferintosh! O sadly lost!
Scotland, lament frae coast to coast!
Now colic grips, an’ barkin’ hoast
May kill us a’;
For loyal Forbes’ charter’d boast
Is ta’en awa!’.”
The new facility plans to honor the site’s archaeological significance, with developers working closely with Historic Environment Scotland and local archaeologists throughout the design process.
Bari Reid, Director at Organic Architects, commented: “The distillery will allow visitors to discover the rich history of this Black Isle district which has been touched by the Jacobite rebellion, the Highland clearances and contained one of the first legal distilleries in Scotland. Given the significance of the archaeology on the farm, local archaeologists and Historic Environment Scotland have been consulted as the design work has progressed. We look forward to continuing to work with them, as well as the local farmer and community, to resurrect the infamous Ferintosh whisky.”
