Lower carbon distillery will reduce waste to landfill

Plans to create Scotland’s first grain distillery in 10 years have taken a significant step forward after being given the green light by planners.

The St. Boswells Distillery, based at Charlesfield Industrial Estate in the Scottish Borders, will be Scotland’s lowest carbon grain distillery, using up-to-date distilling technology, adding to the circular economy, reducing carbon emissions and maximising recycling with zero waste to landfill.

It will produce 20 million litres of pure alcohol a year to meet the growing demand for grain whisky for use in Scotch whisky blending and a Scottish grain neutral spirit for gin and vodka.

The approved planning application will facilitate a £46M investment in the local economy, creating approximately 200 construction roles and 20 permanent, high-value jobs supporting the rural community.

The 18-month construction programme is scheduled to begin in 2022, and spirit will be produced in 2024. 

Trevor Jackson, Founder & CEO of Jackson Distillers, welcomed the planners’ decision. He said: “This is another significant step forward in the process to create the Scottish Borders’ first major grain distillery.

“We have had great support for our proposals from local stakeholders across the region and have worked closely with Scottish Borders Council to ensure we created plans that fit into the landscape, present climate change mitigation opportunities and support the local community.”