Architects Alan Higgs has unveiled a design for a new distillery for the Isle of Islay, the Architect’s Journal reports. Plans have been submitted to Argyll and Bute Council Scotland for a modern circular shaped building to be constructed near Port Charlotte. This breaks with the usual tradition of low barn structures which typically house distilleries.

The practice said that the design is influenced by ancient forts and churches which have been found on Islay. The island is part of the southern Hebrides, covering 660sq km, and has 130 miles of coastline. Evidence of early settlers has been traced back to Mesolithic times, after the ice age, at around 7500BC.

Alan Higgs said: ‘This shape is the most efficient way to enclose space, maps the process of making whisky and evokes the tuns, tanks, pipes, stills, barrels and bottles that are emblematic of spirit-making. It signifies the creative approach of Ili as a distillery, would attract visitors, and add to the built heritage of the Isle of Islay.’

Islay has a long tradition of whisky making, with nine distilleries currently in operation. The original distillery was Bowmore, founded in 1779, and it is still working today. Many others have been and gone over the decades. It is thought that the art of whisky making was brought to Islay in the early fourteenth century by Irish monks.

It was soon discovered that conditions were ideal, with fertile soil for growing barley, plentiful sources of pure water, and an ample supply of peat. Islay’s single malts are reputed to have the strongest flavour of all malt whiskies. They are characterised by dry and peaty aromas, with hints of moss, brine, and spice.

Whiskies produced on Islay are used to make some of the world’s most famous blends, such as Jonny Walker, The Famous Grouse, White Horse, and many more. It also supplies highly sought-after single malts, which are excellent choices for anyone looking to make a whisky investment.