The Cabrach Trust is seeking £5.3m (US$6.9m, €6.1m) in funds to build a new Scotch whisky distillery and heritage centre in Cabrach, with the aim of drawing visitors to the virtually untouched remote area of the Scottish Highlands.

Said to be one of the birthplaces of famed Scotch whisky, Cabrach has a history involving illicit stills and smuggling. If planning is approved, the new visitor attraction will tell the area’s story when it opens in 2020.

The distillery itself will produce a malt whisky, which will bottle for the first time in 2025. The new visitor centre will make use of the existing farmhouses, with architects AKA and interior designers Surface ID transforming them into a modern-day visitor attraction.

In addition to the heritage centre and distillery, the attraction will also include a café, exhibition space and a gift shop.

The distillery plans have so far been funded through grants from foundations and private individuals, while a major grant application will soon be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

“The Cabrach is a special location with a rich heritage and culture, and we want to share this unique bowl of spectacular, untouched scenery with a wider audience, while facilitating the creation of at least 10 jobs, initially and providing a long-term boost to the local economy,” said Cabrach Trust executive director Sue Savege.

“The planned heritage centre will be the catalyst to revive the community and put the spotlight on the heritage of the Cabrach and its place in Scottish history. We want to celebrate its remoteness and see a vibrant and thriving community in the Cabrach once again, bringing more people to the area while preserving all that makes it unique.”