Spirit and History: 17th-century derelict walled garden to be transformed into Distillery

A former walled garden within an historic estate with links to Robert Burns and Winston Churchill could soon be brought back to life as a private distillery.

We have today submitted a planning application to Stirling Council for a new whisky distillery at Auchenbowie near Bannockburn.

The proposed development will be situated within the now derelict old walled garden of the A Listed Auchenbowie House, which has a long history of using its land for commercial purposes.  The estate has a fascinating past, with a former 17th century resident compelled to  flee the country after killing a man in a duel. The house also played host to Scotland's greatest poet, Robert Burns who visited in 1787, and wrote in his journal of dining with the Laird. The UK’s wartime prime minister, Winston Churchill, is also said to have written part of his 3 volume “The Great War” at Auchenbowie whilst staying in the house as a guest.

The project is set to make a positive impact on the community, with the multi-million pound investment creating fifteen direct jobs in the area. It will also generate additional employment through local supply chains, from farming to transport.

You can download a full copy of the press release and images here.