Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider WED 16TH APR 2025    7:07:20 PM BST
This site uses cookies, by continuing to use this site you accept the terms of our privacy policy
Back To Top
Caithness.Org Quick Links
Home
Construction
Leisure
Manufacturing
Misc.
Primary
Professional
Public
Retail
Tourism
Transport
Site Map
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Feed 2.0 Loading...

Dunnet Bay Distillers To Expand And Create Jobs With Hie Support

3rd November 2022

Photograph of Dunnet Bay Distillers To Expand And Create Jobs With Hie Support

Dunnet Bay Distillers to expand and create jobs with HIE support.

Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd is owned by local husband and wife team, Claire and Martin Murray and has secured up to £180,200 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the project.

The business started trading in 2014 after building a small gin and vodka distillery in the village of Dunnet. Since then, a warehouse and a visitor centre have been built following an increase in demand and the company now exports its products to more than 20 countries.

HIE's investment will support Dunnet Bay Distillers to develop a bottling plant and warehouse for the gin and vodka operations near to Castletown Mill, which was recently purchased by the firm with a view to developing it into a new destination whisky distillery. This will also free up space at the Dunnet site to increase production of gin and vodka.

The building will incorporate an air source heat pump system for heating and cooling the premises. It also faces south to maximise the potential for a solar PV array on the roof. The new equipment uses the latest technology to maximise energy efficiency.

The expansion of the distillery business is expected to boost the rural economy in Caithness and benefit the local community by providing employment opportunities.

Nineteen staff are currently employed at Dunnet Bay Distillers and four new jobs will be created as a result of HIE's investment.

The money awarded by HIE includes £90,100 Green Jobs funding, which is being distributed by HIE on behalf of the Scottish Government in light of the low carbon and energy saving benefits of the project.

Hilary Budge, development manager at HIE, said: "Distilleries are an important part of the Highlands and Islands food and drink sector and provide valuable rural employment while contributing to community resilience. As well as having an innovative approach, Dunnet Bay Distillers has shown great initiative in developing its business with a strong environmental ethos, while maintaining high quality products.

"Creating new jobs in the area will also help the wider efforts to attract and retain working age people in the area. We are very pleased to be able to provide this support and look forward to continuing to work with them as they develop the business."

HIE also supported Dunnet Bay Distillers through the agency's Graduate Support Programme, which helps companies in the Highlands and Islands by offering 12-month, well-paid work experience placements in key sectors that span a wide variety of industries. While working at the firm, graduate Craig Chambers produced a new gin expression called Rock Rose Gin Smoked Orange which has just become part of the core range, and brings the number of gins in the main range to nine.

Martin Murray, co-founder and co-director of Dunnet Bay Distillers, said: "We're excited at the prospect of regenerating the Castletown Mill, a fine 200-year-old building which has been empty for many years. The Mill will become a Caithness landmark once again and its development will transform our already successful business.

"We are so grateful to Highlands and Island Enterprise for their support, and we look forward soon to launching our website for the project which will explain more about how local people can get involved. We aim to make it into a local destination distillery and we intend to make this section of our business every bit as environmentally sustainable as the rest. Our strong environmental ethos is as the heart of what we do."

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Argyll seafood firm expands - A history of rising energy costs made things difficult
Loch Fyne company Otter Ferry Seafish Limited to increase production, safeguard the workforce and create new jobs.   A £350,000 expansion project at a seafood company in Argyll will increase production, safeguard the workforce and create new jobs.  
Moray agriculture firm in £400k growth projectThumbnail for article : Moray agriculture firm in £400k growth project
A family run agriculture company in Moray has embarked on a major growth project that will increase production and efficiency, improve product quality and create jobs.   James Taylor & Son, operating at Kintessack near Forres, has secured up to £161,446 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards total project costs of £403,616.  
Limited space for businesses on Digital Tourism Support programme
Businesses in the tourism sector and its supply chain in the Highland Council area are being encouraged to secure a place on the Digital Tourism Support Programme.   The programme is offering support to eligible businesses and social enterprises of up to three days of free, personalised, one-to-one digital advice from industry experts.  
£10 million planned for Port of Nigg projectThumbnail for article : £10 million planned for Port of Nigg project
Public investment is planned for a major redevelopment project at Port of Nigg in the Highlands.   Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved up to £10 million to support development of the port's Inner East Quay, which will result in the creation of a new heavy-duty quayside and the introduction of roll-on roll-off capability.  
Next phase of small business units for Wick Business Park
A further phase of development is getting under way at Wick Business Park in a move that will support economic growth and strengthen population retention in Caithness.   Park owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has awarded a £1.8m contract to Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd to build a further four new business units.  
Alistair Dodds Chair of HIE to retire in JulyThumbnail for article : Alistair Dodds  Chair of HIE to retire in July
The chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has announced plans to retire from the role in July.   Alistair Dodds CBE has served on the HIE board for 11 years.  
Cairngorm Mountain Railway returns to serviceThumbnail for article : Cairngorm Mountain Railway returns to service
The funicular railway at Cairngorm Mountain resort returned to service on Thursday 27 February 2025.   Scotland's only funicular railway has been out of action since August 2023, while an extensive programme of remediation works has been carried out, led by contractor Balfour Beatty on behalf of estate owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).  
HIE approves further £863k for Inverness Castle project
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved a further £863,000 contribution to the Inverness Castle Experience project.   Led by The Highland Council, the Inverness Castle Experience is a key project within the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.  
Food and drink businesses offered new help with net zero planningThumbnail for article :  Food and drink businesses offered new help with net zero planning
Highland based food and drink producers have until 28 March to enquire about a new support programme aimed at helping businesses in the sector to cut carbon emissions.   Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is looking for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to take part in the food and drink TechHUB Net Zero Mobilisation programme.  
£5m approved for Scapa Deep Water QuayThumbnail for article : £5m approved for Scapa Deep Water Quay
Ambitious plans to create a major new renewables hub in Orkney have been accelerated with a £5m grant to help take the project to the next stage.   The funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will further the development of a new harbour facility for the assembly of offshore wind turbines at Scapa Flow - the largest natural harbour in the northern hemisphere.