Whisky Neighbours underway for GlenKinchie

The Scottish Lowlands already boast a few big whisky names, and there may be another joining them soon. A new distillery is on the way: Eydent Distillery.

Official approval has been granted for the construction of a new distillery in the Scottish Lowlands, reports The Spirits Business. The planned site is in East Lothian, specifically in the East Mains area, and it will be called Eydent Distillery.

It won’t be the first distillery in the region, and a familiar local name is at the helm.

The distillery is owned by Ollie Salvesen and Jack Mayo. Salvesen previously gained experience at Glenkinchie Distillery, the other distillery in East Lothian.

Mayo comes from a consultancy background in the whisky world. He has worked with Glasgow Distillery and Holyrood Distillery, among others.

Their combined expertise underpins the new venture, which aims to blend traditional production methods with modern thinking. And they have a clear plan.

On paper, the distillery already projects an annual production capacity of around 140,000 bottles of gin and whisky.

According to the plans, Eydent Distillery will initially create five permanent jobs. Over six years, that number is expected to grow to twelve employees, contributing to local employment. Before that happens, a few things still need to be ironed out.

Although the permit has been granted, that doesn’t mean construction can begin immediately. Several conditions must be met before the first shovel can break ground.

Additional documentation is required for the program aimed at enhancing biodiversity on and around the site. This plan must demonstrate how nature and the landscape will be protected and strengthened during and after construction.

Extensive studies are also needed to assess the structural safety of the site. The ground earmarked for building is part of a former coal mining area, which can present extra risks for stability and load-bearing capacity.

When construction will actually begin, and when the doors are expected to open, has not yet been announced.