Argyll and Bute Council approved plans on 25 September 2026 to convert a long‑disused, contaminated oil depot at Ardrishaig into a craft whisky distillery with visitor facilities designed by Organic Architects.
Planning permission granted on 25 September 2026 for a craft whisky distillery and visitor destination at a former oil depot in Ardrishaig.
Organic Architects designed the scheme, which includes production space plus tours, tastings, a courtyard, terrace and a greenhouse.
The proposal is part of a wider waterfront regeneration that has already reopened the Steamer Terminal and supported a café operated by Lucy’s of Ardfern since summer 2025.
Argyll and Bute Council approved plans on 25 September 2026 to turn a former oil depot on Ardrishaig's waterfront into a craft whisky distillery and visitor destination. The project is led by John Moore and designed by Organic Architects, a Helensburgh practice that focuses on sustainable distillery design.
Plans combine small‑scale craft whisky production with visitor amenities. The publicly described components are:
Organic Architects' director Bari Reid described the aim as giving people another reason to stop and spend time in Ardrishaig, contributing to village life while making whisky. The project is positioned as part of a broader waterfront regeneration plan.
This distillery proposal is not an isolated project. An earlier phase of the waterfront regeneration restored the nearby Steamer Terminal to use, and Lucy's of Ardfern has run a café there since summer 2025. The developers are explicit that the distillery should complement those efforts and help attract visitors.
Can a contaminated former oil depot become Scotland's next whisky destination? Ardrishaig's waterfront is about to find out after plans won approval. Read the full article at Ardrishaig Oil Depot to Become Craft Whisky Distillery
Operators say the plans are appropriate for the countryside setting in southern Scotland.
There is an ongoing dispute with the distillery's founder.
"This is incredibly special for our family and team."
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