LISTEN: Sturgeon Hails Distillery Launch

The whisky industry and the wider economy has been given a boost by the launch of Scotland's 115th working distillery, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.

Chivas Brothers has launch of the £25 million Dalmunach Distillery on the former Imperial Distillery, which was mothballed in 1998, on the banks of the River Spey.

Local Speyside companies were heavily involved in construction of the distillery, which can produce up to 10 million litres per year, and five permanent employees have been recruited.

MFR News speaks with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon...

Ms Sturgeon, said: Scotch Whisky is one of Scotland's iconic brands and is in huge demand all over the globe due to the exceptional quality the industry produces.

It is hugely important to the Scottish economy and its protected EU status means it has an unmatched international reputation.

The Dalmunach Distillery is one of 115 across Scotland and it is a sign of continued investment from Chivas Brothers.

It's also fitting that this facility opens in the Year of Food and Drink as we celebrate and promote the magnificence of our natural larder.

We want to work with firms to sustain and build on the success the industry enjoys - this distillery will play its part in that and will also contribute to the continued growth of Scotland's economy as a whole.''

Douglas Cruickshank, who oversaw the design and construction of the distillery, said: All the people involved are justifiably proud of their part in this very successful project.

Dalmunach is a shining example of the collaboration of many functions within Chivas pooling their knowledge, experience and creativity to deliver a modern distillery that has surpassed all expectations in respect of visual impact, plant performance, energy efficiency and spirit quality.''

Laurent Lacassagne, chairman and chief executive of Chivas Brothers, comments: Today is the latest culmination of our ongoing investment to satisfy the growing demand for our brands.

Dalmunach Distillery is an excellent example of securing the future of the industry by respecting its heritage and it's fitting that the remnants from the old Imperial Distillery have been built into an extremely efficient distillery with an architecturally stunning design.

It is a real pleasure to see this piece of land in Carron which has had a role in whisky making all the way back to 1897 play a future role in whisky production.

With the opening today, over the last three years we have expanded our malt whisky distillation by 17% as part of an annual capital expenditure commitment of £60m per annum. This investment continues and we have already begun work on significantly increasing capacity at The Glenlivet.''