The application to Highland Council requests permission to refurbish Castletown Mill and surrounding land, near the company’s headquarters.

If planning is granted, the restoration and fit-out of the refurbished building could cost up to £4 million.

The plans involve a full refurbishment of the dilapidated listed building, with a view to creating further resources for the expanding business, including a visitor centre and a whisky distillery.

Director Claire Murray said: “As the new custodians of the mill, we’re excited at the prospect of regenerating and breathing new life into the building. We are keen to tell its story and to add to the wonderful history as we hopefully move to re-establishing the Mill as a proud Caithness landmark once again.

“If our planning permission is granted we hope to begin work on the building later in 2022. Our aim is to sensitively restore the Mill to become the brand home for our expansion in to the whisky market. We hope to create a destination distillery to educate visitors on the history of the mill and celebrate the heritage of the site.

“Our visitor tour experience shall not only encompass whisky but also tell the stories of a bygone era of milling in Castletown, all set in atmospheric, beautiful spaces. The building shall also house a cafe and event space suitable for weddings and other functions.”

Organic Architects, based in Helensburgh, have been appointed to the project. The firm’s director Andrea Wise said: “This is a rare opportunity for a thriving local business to regenerate this landmark building which has been unable to find a user for decades.

“Historic Environment Scotland have been consulted during the design process to ensure that the necessary changes are as appropriate as possible for the old Mill.

“The distillery will be powered by green electricity, making it one of the most sustainable distilleries in the industry.”