Whisky stills arrive at Inverclyde's Ardgowan Distillery

There was huge fanfare as the copper stills arrived at Inverkip's Ardgowan Distillery, marking a huge moment in the eight-year quest to get production under way.

Chief executive Martin McAdam's dream of building the impressive structure began in Inverkip in September 2016, when hundreds turned out to see him unveil his vision.

Now the key components are in place, Ardgowan Distillery are set to turn the tap on and start producing up to one million litres of single malt Scotch whisky at the Inverkip site from March next year.

With around 50 jobs set to be created and plans to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to the distillery, there are high hopes for the development.

Ardgowan Distillery chief executive Martin McAdam with the new copper stills (Image: contributed)

After escorting the loader into the distillery, Martin McAdam said: "It was a great day for us all, even if it was a long day!

"This is the most significant moment for us all. The copper stills mean that we now become a distillery.

"We have enjoyed huge support from the public since we first started this journey in the Inverkip Hotel eight years ago. 

"Now six prime ministers, a pandemic and a cost of living crisis later that is us, we have finally made it."

Copper Stills arrive at Ardgowan Distillery (Image: contributed)

Martin told the Tele that he has never faltered in his vision for a distillery in Inverclyde, where the Islands, the Highlands and the Lowlands meet.

He added: "It is a the perfect location for creating a whisky. We are very excited about it all.

"It is a huge investment in Inverclyde, so far it has taken £20 million pounds. That is a massive commitment and we are here to make it a success."

On the day the team were all set to get down to business as the excitement grows locally.

Ardgowan Distillery's chief executive added: "I would like to thank the team at McMillan Coppersmiths. Creating our beautiful stills requires amazing skills, and they are truly works of art. The coppersmiths have not just shaped metal but are weaving centuries of Scottish whisky-making tradition into every curve and contour of these beautiful vessels."

The stills, featuring a distinctive design exclusive to Ardgowan Distillery, have been crafted with over two million hammer blows.

They stand at 6.4 metres and 5.4 metres respectively with a capacity of 12,000 litres for the wash still and 9,000 for the spirit still.

Copper Stills installed in Ardgowan Distillery (Image: contributed)

They incorporate Thermal Vapour Recompression (TVR) technology, which compresses and reintroduces steam into the process to reduce energy waste. This is in keeping with the sustainability of the building, which has been constructed largely with recycled materials.

The Ardgowan Distillery is being built with Muir Group as the principal contractor, while Briggs of Burton is supplying the process equipment.

Martin McAdam has also thanked MSP Stuart McMillan and former MP Ronnie Cowan for their support throughout the process.

Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West MP Martin McCluskey, elected in July, visited the site to see first hand the investment.

He said: “This is a significant milestone for the Ardgowan Distillery.

"Like many people across Inverclyde, I’ve enjoyed watching the distillery begin to rise from the valley as construction has progressed and today’s installation of the stills take us even closer to the opening of this new distillery.

"This will be a landmark tourist destination for Inverclyde and I pay tribute to all the staff and investors who have made this happen and brought the project this far.

"I can’t wait for the distillery to open and to sample some of the whisky that will be coming from those stills!”