Community-led distillery secures funding boost

The Cabrach Distillery has received a funding package of almost £140,000 from Social Investment Scotland (SIS).

The distillery, which is gearing up to open in late summer, is registered as a community interest company (CIC) and will be the flagship asset of The Cabrach Trust, which aims to breathe new life into the rural part of Speyside.

The remote community was once home to a thriving illicit whisky trade, a legacy which the distillery is celebrating with the production of a new single malt Scotch and heritage centre.

The Cabrach is an area that has suffered from significant loss and depopulation. At the turn of the 20th century, the population was around 1,000 people, but today it is under 100, with the trust working to safeguard the community.

As well as creating a dozen local jobs, it is hoped the new distillery will attract visitors, generating income to be reinvested in regeneration plans.

The funding package from SIS, comprising both a loan and a grant, has supported the process of setting up for the bottling of its inaugural whisky, The Feering, which is a Speyside blend derived from casks donated by The Cabrach’s distillery neighbours.

Funding will also support start-up operations, such as production and performance monitoring.

Jonathan Christie, chief executive at the Cabrach Trust, said: “Our distillery will serve as the economic lungs of our community-led regeneration vision, creating much-needed permanent employment, whilst attracting thousands of visitors to this special place, who will be able to discover the area’s rich history, heritage, and natural beauty.

“The support of likeminded partners such as Social Investment Scotland is invaluable.”

Chris Jamieson, head of investments at SIS, added: “The Cabrach is filled with a rich heritage of whisky making and we’re pleased to support the trust with its overarching plans for regeneration, creating secure and skilled jobs in the area.

“By providing access to affordable finance, in this case to help the distillery prepare for production, SIS is championing local organisations and social enterprises of all sizes to deliver greater impact for the communities and people they work with.”

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