(From Wemyss Malts Press Release) The Wemyss family is delighted to announce that final planning permission is now in place for its new single malt whisky distillery and visitor centre near Kingsbarns in Fife, Scotland. Restoration and building work will shortly commence at the site.

Approximately 6 miles from St. Andrews, The Kingsbarns Distillery will be built within sight of the world-famous Kingsbarns Golf Links, on the Cambo Estate. The distillery itself will be within the historic and charming East Newhall Farm steading.

Building work at the Distillery will begin with preservation of the historic Dutch pan tile roof and 18th century stonework, followed by initial land preparation. Detailed planning of the layout of the distillery and visitor centre, shop and cafe areas continues. It’s expected to take around a year to complete the building with a view to welcoming the first visitors as distilling commences in summer 2014.

William Wemyss, commented on behalf of the family: “It’s been a busy few months working with Historic Scotland, Fife Council planners and a team of architects, designers and engineers to get to this point where we can start to turn the plans into reality. Building a distillery is a once in a generation opportunity and we’re looking forward to playing our part in the reinvigoration of the Fife distilling tradition.”

The founding director of the Kingsbarns Distillery is local Fife man, Douglas Clement, who also adds: “Inspired by comments from golfers at Kingsbarns and St Andrews, I knew that there was a real opportunity for a local distillery. I’ve been working on this project for a number of years and it’s great to be standing here today seeing the work begin.”