MORE than 20 new jobs could be created in Luss under plans for a new brewery and micro-distillery in the village.

The founders of the Glen Luss Distillery project, Trystan Powell, Patrick Colquhoun and Daniel Lewis, have launched a crowdfunding campaign for their initiative, with hopes of using existing vacant premises in the village to establish a year-round visitor experience.

As well as producing a single malt Scotch whisky, locally sourced botanical infused gin, aged and new-make rums, small batch vodka and a collection of craft beers, the plans include an interactive discovery centre, a making and tasting experience and a cask experience centre.

Investors in the initial round of crowdfunding, which runs until May 4, will receive a range of benefits including private tours, distilling masterclasses, early access to new products, inaugural first releases, and an invitation to an annual private members’ event.

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Mr Lewis, the firm's director of operations, said: “The Scottish food and drink industry is world renowned for its focus on quality and provenance.

“At the distillery we will utilise locally sourced ingredients to create a range of drinks inspired by Luss’s history and heritage.”

The new micro distillery is planned to open in May 2021, and the directors say they have held positive early talks with groups and stakeholders including Luss and Arden Community Council, politicians, tourism bodies, local businesses and the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

It is estimated that 26 jobs will be created, while modern apprenticeships will also be provided to support the local community.

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Mr Colquhoun, the company’s sales director, said: “With community benefit at the heart of our vision, the distillery will also commit five per cent of profits annually, for an initial period of 10 years, to a community development fund for projects in the Luss and Arden area.”

The distillery’s website also says the project will “aim to reduce the impact of over-tourism” by working with the local community to support a forthcoming traffic management plan for the village.

Those plans include a new village green space and car parking facilities to the south of the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel, in a bid to encourage people to explore Luss on foot, rather than parking their cars in the middle of the village – a headache that has plagued residents for many years.

Further details can be found at www.glenluss.co.uk.

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