STIRLING Gin’s plan to invest six-figures to develop the city’s first-ever gin distillery and visitor centre has been given the green light by Stirling Council.

With the planning application approved, the award-winning company is now looking to complete the conversion of the former Old Smiddy blacksmith premises in the Lower Castlehill area of Stirling into its first self-owned production premises. 

Stirling Gin co-owner Cameron McCann was delighted to announce the news of his company's investment which could break the £150,000 mark and provide up to eight new jobs.

He said: "To get the final green-light from Stirling Council planning department that we can proceed with our plans for The Old Smiddy is just the best news possible to start the New Year with, no doubt about it. 

"We will be making a six-figure investment in the Old Smiddy and are delighted to play a part in the regeneration of such an historic part of the city and also to be putting down significant roots in our home city and growing Stirling Gin where it belongs, in Stirling. 

"So I'd like to thank Stirling Council planning department for processing our application so efficiently and now we can look forward to 2018 and creating something really special in our home city that will also hopefully have a positive impact on the area. 

"Obviously the Castlehill area is such an historic part of Stirling and I guess it's maybe appropriate that we are going to be opening up the first-ever distillery in the city up there. 

"Everyone at Stirling Gin is committed to making sure we become an integral part of the business community and hopefully a force for good in all the other aspects of the community we want to get involved in and support."