Distillery is approved for historic garden site

An historic walled garden on an estate with ties to Robert Burns and Winston Churchill is set for a new chapter, as plans for a private whisky distillery have been officially approved.

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

Stirling Council has granted planning permission to Organic Architects, specialists in sustainable distilleries, for the development of a small-scale distillery at Auchenbowie, near Bannockburn.

The distillery will be built within the neglected walled garden of the A Listed Auchenbowie House, a property steeped in history. Once home to a 17th century laird who fled the country after a fatal duel, the house has welcomed notable figures including Robert Burns, who visited in 1787 and noted the occasion in his journal.

Winston Churchill is also believed to have written part of The Great War while staying at Auchenbowie as a guest.