Plans for driving range in Dornoch and distillery in Ardross win approval

Plans for a new distillery in Ross-shire and a leisure facility were also backed by the planning committee.

Permission was granted for 19th century buildings near Ardross Castle to be brought back into use to produce “very high quality niche whisky”.

The project is being developed by Ardross Investment Ltd.

It was unanimously supported by councillors, with local member Maxine Smith saying the distillery would be “fantastic for the area”.

Councillors also backed plans developed by Royal Dornoch Golf Club for a driving range, pro-shop and tennis courts on the site of a former abattoir.

Work could now soon get underway on the scheme, which will also include a classroom, public toilets and a large car park.

Committee chairwoman Isobel McCallum said: “It sounds like an exciting development for a golf town.”