Plans for Moray distillery backed

The distillery would be based between Elgin and Forres

Council planners are recommending the go-ahead for a historic £40m distillery in Moray.

Drinks giant Diageo wants to build the development at Roseisle as part of a £100m expansion of its operations.

The application will go before Moray councillors on Wednesday. If approved, it could be Scotland's first new mainland distillery in about 30 years.

The proposed site is next to Diageo's existing maltings complex. Objections include noise and traffic concerns.

If approved, construction is expected to begin this year with the distillery opening in early 2009.

It is expected that the facility, situated between Elgin and Forres, could create about 25 new jobs in the area.