Dark Sky Spirits founders Nick and Erin Bullard have broken ground on their construction plans for The Moffat Distillery.
Building work is now under way on the 17 acre site on the edge of the Upper Annandale town.
The company, named after Moffat’s status as Europe’s first dark sky town, received £320,000 to help build the facility which gained planning permission in January.
Due to open next spring, the distillery will operate what it claims is Scotland’s only direct wood-fired still which the Bullards said would offer a signature flavour for the whisky and create a sustainable production process.
Dark Sky currently makes The Moffat blended malt whisky which is proving popular in the region – especially at the recent farmers’ markets.
Having the distillery up and running will allow them to starting producing their first single malt next year and it will take seven years to mature.
Meanwhile, Dark Sky plans to continue to blend whisky under its Local Dram brand which includes Doonhamer and Muckletoon.
There are also plans to develop other spirits and liqueurs.
Once open the distillery will feature tours, tastings, workshops and a whisky bar.
Mr Bullard said: “We live and breathe Moffat.
“We want to focus on community.
“We believe in having genuine, high-quality interactions with people, telling the story of our culture and heritage and exploring the flavours of our local area.”
“Each dram, each experience, reflects who we are as a community and as a region.”
