A historic walled garden on an estate with ties to Robert Burns and Winston Churchill is set for a new chapter, as plans for a private whisky distillery have been officially approved.
Stirling Council has granted planning permission to Organic Architects, specialists in sustainable distilleries, for the development of a small-scale distillery at Auchenbowie, near Bannockburn.
The distillery will be built within the neglected walled garden of the A Listed Auchenbowie House, a property steeped in history.
Once home to a 17th century laird who fled the country after a fatal duel, the house has welcomed notable figures including Robert Burns, who visited in 1787 and noted the occasion in his journal. Winston Churchill is also believed to have written part of The Great War while staying at Auchenbowie as a guest.
The approved development represents a multi-million pound investment in the area and is expected to create fifteen direct jobs, with further opportunities through the wider local economy – particularly in agriculture, logistics, and hospitality.
The design of the distillery draws heavily on traditional forms, carefully balanced with contemporary elements. A new organic garden will be planted within the walled area, adding to the site’s biodiversity while supplying botanicals for spirit production.
Bari Reid, Director at Organic Architects, said:
“Receiving approval for this project is an important milestone, and we’re excited to begin the work of bringing the Auchenbowie walled garden back into use.
“For decades, this area has stood empty and overgrown – but it has immense potential. Our design celebrates the character of the site and the rich history of the estate, while also delivering something new and relevant for today.
“The distillery buildings will sit within the garden walls like elegant Victorian greenhouses. At the heart of the design is a glass house overlooking a water garden, which doubles as a cooling system for the distillation process.
“It’s a project where sustainability, heritage and craftsmanship come together – and we can’t wait to see it take shape.”
Once a thriving centre of whisky production, Central Scotland has a long association with the industry. The Auchenbowie project signals a welcome revival of distilling in a region that helped shape the early story of Scotch whisky.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the distillery anticipated to start producing spirit in 2027.
