Isle of Barra Distillers anticipates that the purpose-built distillery and visitor centre at Eoligarry in the north of the island will create at least 40 new jobs. Work is on track to commence in September next year and open in spring 2025.

It is projected that the distillery will produce 200,000 litres of pure alcohol per year, enough to fill an estimated 1,600 200-litre casks with the potential to double that output and further expand the workforce.

Sustainability will be at the core of the development, designed by Ayr-based architects Denham Youd. A heat recovery system will distribute heat from the distillery to the visitor centre while the company is also looking at a carbon capture system that could be used to create feed for the salmon farming industry.