Orkney's first craft distillery given the green light

Once open, the distillery will take on full production of the company’s Kirkjuvagr Gin, which has been in development over the past few months.

The firm have been working closely with the Agronomy Institute at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Kirkwall to identify a uniquely Orcadian blend of ingredients for the new gin.

Kirkjuvagr Gin will initially be crafted on mainland Scotland using the same artisan process Orkney Distilling will employ when production moves to the county, upon completion of the Kirkwall distillery. 

“Securing planning permission for our distillery represents a major step forward for the project,” said Stephen Kemp.

“We’re now looking forward to getting work underway on the distillery and creating what we hope will be a major new visitor attraction for Orkney.

“As people will hopefully see from the images of the new distillery, we’ve tried to create an attractive building that fits in well with its harbour front location. The siting of the distillery was particularly important for us, given the seafaring and Norse themes in our branding, so we’re really delighted to get the go-ahead.”

Work on Orkney Distilling Limited's artisan distillery, visitor centre and shop – to be sited in Kirkwall’s Ayre Road – will begin in the autumn, with an official opening planned for next spring.

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