A new whisky experience is set to open in Glasgow city centre after receiving a licence to sell alcohol.
Glasgow’s licensing board approved an application from Fred’s Whisky, which was described as a “specialist whisky concept”.
Board members were told the South Frederick Street venue will be a “fantastic addition” to the city.
Niall Hassard, representing the company, said the shop was being set up by three “leading, independent whisky aficionados” — including the Sunday Herald’s whisky columnist Andy Gemmell.
Although dedicated to whisky, the shop may sell some other craft spirits, the board was told.
“This isn’t just a shop, this is more experiential,” Mr Hassard said.
“It’s aimed very much, in keeping with Glasgow’s wider positioning in terms of tourism, to give people not just the opportunity to buy whisky, but to come in and learn about whisky.
“There will be a significant amount of education involved in this.”
Councillors on the licensing board agreed to hand a provisional premises licence to the company.
Cllr Margret Morgan said: “I’m very, very happy to see this. I know there have been a lot of organisations in similar situations promoting gin and gin tasting.
“I just like to see whisky being restored to Scotland’s national drink.”
Mr Hassard told the board how spirits stocked in the shop would range from entry level malts at £30 to impressive blend whiskys and “exclusive and rare” whiskys over £1000.
“We’re nowhere near the stack it high, sell it cheap mentality,” Mr Hassard added, describing the new concept as “very exciting”.
