Douglas Laing to open Clutha Distillery in autumn 2019

Scotch whisky producer, Douglas Laing & Co has announced that its new distillery in Glasgow will be named the Clutha Distillery and is expected to open in autumn 2019.

Clutha, meaning Clyde in Gaelic, highlights the location of the distillery which will sit on the banks of the river in Glasgow and the £10.7m project will include the construction of the new distillery, bottling complex, head office, visitor centre, whisky archive and bar/bistro.

Chris Leggat, CEO at Douglas Laing & Co, said: “Douglas Laing has a long and proud association with Glasgow and the Clyde with the city at the heart of the company.

“It was important to us that the new distillery was located on the banks of the Clyde as it brings us back to where the company has its heart. After careful consideration the name was selected to reflect our proud heritage and the importance of the location.”

Accordiing to Douglas Laing, the new venture will enable the firm to focus on developing its global export trade which currently sits at more than 50 international markets.

The development is expected to create 41 new jobs which will increase the Douglas Laing workforce from 24 to 65 and the company says Clutha Whisky will be a ‘specialist, high end single malt with a heavy sherry influence’ without colouring or chill-filtration.

Cara Laing, director of whisky, added: “We have long held this ambition for Douglas Laing to operate its own distillery and bottling operation in Glasgow. Not only will it bring whisky distilling back to the south side of the city, it will create welcome jobs and generate significant additional high-value exports.”