WORK on a multi-million pound business and tourist attraction in Inverkip is gathering pace - with bosses in high spirits about forthcoming developments.

The team at Ardgowan Distillery have confirmed that the concrete pour for the flagship whisky production centre will begin in June.

The state-of-the-art premises will feature a cathedral-style, 100m long building which will produce Ardgowan's signature single malt.

Distillery major shareholder and principal investor, Roland Grain, has poured more than £8m into the project so far and has pledged a long-term commitment to the business.

Greenock Telegraph:

Roland, who is from Austria, is founder, owner and CEO of IT company Grain GmbH.

He said he can see that the distillery, even at this early stage, is a 'very sophisticated operation'.

Roland added: "Ardgowan is an exceptional and very beautiful place and has fantastic infrastructure.

"I am very happy to be involved.

"We will be doing so many things for the first time in whisky and experimenting with different techniques."

Roland said he will be adding funds to the project every year.

He told the Telegraph: "I will invest every year from now, and do this to guarantee a perfectly matured whisky.

"A whisky needs to be supported until year 10.

"Our production will be the most sophisticated of all the distilleries."

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Roland revealed the whisky will be put through a mysterious 'golden fleece' which will filter out all the chemicals which can be absorbed in the process.

He added: "It will produce something extremely unique and recognisable as Ardgowan.

"Our whisky it will be different from all the others.

"I really believe we will produce something really special."

Ardgowan Distillery CEO Martin McAdam said the business was fortunate to have Roland's backing.

He added: "We've found someone very special in Roland.

"He's giving us a long-term commitment and is a vital part of the project.

"We're very lucky to have someone involved who is so passionate and knowledgeable about the product."

The Telegraph got a sneak preview of what's been going on behind the scenes across the whole Ardgowan Distillery site, which sits just off Inverkip Road on the A78.

The team at Ardgowan have transformed the interiors of the buildings on site which date back to the mid 1700s.

Roofs have been rebuilt using reclaimed slate and stone, and the interiors are light and bright thanks to traditional windows.

Greenock Telegraph:

Martin said retaining the heritage of the buildings on the site was vital in the transformation process.

He is also passionate about ensuring the distillery will showcase forward-thinking processes.

He added: "It's a very historic location and we want to preserve the buildings as much as we can.

"We want everything we touch to be as sustainable as possible and want to be a carbon negative distillery.

"The waste heat from the whisky operation will heat buildings around the rest of the site.

"We'll also be putting in a new micro substation."

Greenock Telegraph:

Martin says forming good relationships with neighbours and becoming a big part of the community is vital for the success of Ardgowan Distillery, and said the team are thrilled that work is progressing quickly. 

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He added: "We're absolutely delighted to be moving forward now.

"We were all lined up to start but then Brexit hit and then the pandemic.

"This is great for Inverclyde.

"We have a very strong, long-term commitment to Inverclyde so it's important for us to work with local contractors wherever we can.

"We want to be a showcase facility in terms of low carbon and in visitors to the area.

"It's a very exciting time for us."

*Ardgowan Distillery will be hosting a Clan Ardgowan open day on July 22 where fans can sign up to one of three levels of membership - Warrior, Thane and Chieftan.