Rosebank is a highly respected Lowland single malt Scotch whisky distillery, which ceased production in 1993 when former owner UDV (now Diageo), turned the site and its maltings into a restaurant.
After 25 years of lying dormant, the extensive work to revitalise the distillery is now expected to begin imminently. This will generate 25 full time equivalent jobs for the local economy when it commences distillation and opens to visitors around Autumn 2020.
The revived Rosebank Distillery hopes to attract around 50,000 visitors a year and produce up to 1m litres of alcohol per year.
Leonard Russell, managing director of Ian Macleod Distillers, owners of Rosebank, said: “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.
“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.”
Following planning approval from Falkirk Council, Ian Macleod is purchasing the Rosebank site from its current owners, Scottish Canals.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Falkirk Council and Scottish Canals for their support of our vision to revive Rosebank Distillery. The backing from both parties has brought our vision to life and enabled the smooth running of this initial phase of the project,” added Russell.
Ian Macleod Distillers also acquired the Rosebank brand and last remaining stocks from former owners, Diageo, in October 2017. The company expects to use this limited Rosebank whisky for a small number of releases from 2019, distilled in the last few years before Rosebank Distillery closed its doors in 1993.
