The firm behind exciting plans to revive one of Scotland's most iconic lowland distilleries has moved to reassure whisky fans that the project is still going ahead.
Ian Macleod Distillers stated that the coronavirus outbreak, along with problems with a collapsed of a wall had led to a break in construction but confirmed workers had now returned to site to continue on with work.
First announced in 2017, the plans to resurrect the closed distillery in Falkirk followed hot on the heels of Diageo’s announcement regarding their plans to revive two other Scottish distilleries in Port Ellen on Islay and Brora in the Highlands.
But with the site looking a bit empty recently and construction work grinding to a halt, managing director Leonard Russell explained that he understands why some people may have feared the worst.
Moving to reassure both local residents and whisky fans alike, he said: "We never had cold feet about the project. What happened was that when digging a pit to deal with drainage on-site, a wall fell down.
"We then had further surveys done and concluded that we had the opportunity to revisit the design."
Mr Russell, who has previously described Rosebank as one of the "most respected and sought after single malts in the world", added that with workers not allowed on site it gave them the breathing space to tinker with the design and create something "even better".
He added: "Our objective is still to make Rosebank as fabulous as it possibly can be."
Benjamin Mawby, of construction company ISG, stated that the new design is the best outcome, he said: "From an architectural point of view I think it's going to be stunning.
"You will still have the history there with the malt building and the chimney and what we know is the original warehouse."
Located on the banks of the Forth & Clyde Canal, Rosebank was once dubbed ‘the King of the Lowlands’ and the late whisky writer, Michael Jackson had no doubt that it was one of the ‘greats’, describing its demise in 1993 as “a grievous loss” to the industry.
Originally expected to be completed in Summer this year, it looks like the project will take a little longer now thanks to the recent delays.
