Fife distillery and centre could be built next year

The abbey in Newburgh is the site of the first recorded whisky production in Scotland in 1494, and it is envisaged that whisky distillation could resume opposite the historic building — providing a rare sort of historical continuity.

Drew McKenzie-Smith is to submit a planning application for the site, which is owned by his family.

McKenzie-Smith told The Courier: “I have been talking about this for years, now it’s actually happening. Nothing will happen overnight but when it does and visitor numbers increase with people coming from around the world, we really do hope it will benefit the area.

“More important than employment at the distillery will be visitors spending money in Newburgh, staying in accommodation and eating out.”

A community consultation event will be held in Newburgh early next month.