Community invited to learn more about distillery plans

Islay residents are being invited to learn more about plans to enhance and expand Laphroaig Distillery.

 

A drop-in event between 10am and 7.30pm on Wednesday August 23 will outline how drinks company Beam Suntory plans to increase production capacity and modernise the visitor experience as demand for Laphroaig continues to grow.

 

The distillery has not had major investment for over a century. More than 40 local people work at the distillery and there is now a need to enhance and future-proof the site and its contribution to the island.

 

Members of the project team, including Beam Suntory representatives and architects Energy Conscious Design Architects, will be at the community event to discuss the proposals and answer questions.

 

The company has already met with members of Islay Community Council and local councillors to discuss the company’s long-term investment plans for Laphroaig distillery and Islay as a whole.

 

Laphroaig already makes various in-kind and financial contributions to community groups and local initiatives on Islay. Most recently, the Laphroaig team donated more than 240 hours to local projects including maintenance and paintwork at Port Ellen Primary School, Bowmore Primary School and Islay Baptist Church, as well as reinstated road-side milestone markers from Ardtalla to Port Ellen.

 

In addition to feedback on its redevelopment proposals, the team will also welcome suggestions from the community on how Beam Suntory can best support Islay in future.

 

Barry MacAffer, Laphroaig Distillery manager, said: “Laphroaig has a rich and important history on Islay and to build an even brighter future for this iconic local product, we must continue to make meaningful investment in our distillery and in our community.

 

“We are looking forward to welcoming Islay residents to the distillery on August 23 to share our plans and, importantly, hear their thoughts.”