Multi-million pound distillery set to create up to 50 jobs in Northumberland

Today (August 23), it has been announced that the development of the former Redpath’s Yard is being transformed into Northumberland’s first whisky distillery.

Located in the market town of Wooler, and with millions of pounds worth of investment, this could become a major tourism attraction and key employer for local residents.

The Ad Gefrin Distillery is aiming to help retain young people in the local economy and workplace, and regenerate a site which has been disused for over 20 years.

Ad Gefrin will be developed and operated by the Ferguson family - a well-known local family who have successfully run businesses in Northumberland across four generations for over 100 years.

On announcing details of the new development for Wooler and the Glendale area as a whole, Alan Ferguson OBE said: “This is a very bold undertaking for our entire family, involving my wife Eileen, our five children and myself.

“Our ultimate aim is to develop a unique single malt whisky and a major attraction, as well as opening a new chapter in the cultural developments and traditions of Glendale.

“Ad Gefrin is a multi-million pound project which will totally transform this site, and we believe the community, local businesses and local producers will all benefit. Our proposal is probably one of the largest single inward investments ever made in Northumberland.

“[It] will be a key part of the long term process of much-needed regeneration in this area, and we believe it will enhance our community for generations to come.”

Ad Gefrin takes its name from the Anglo-Saxon palace beneath Yeavering Bell - the Hill of the Goats. Historically a place of gathering and community, the new distillery in Wooler aims to become a similar meeting spot in the modern age.

Subject to planning consents, it is hoped that the distillery and visitor centre will open its doors by 2020. Such is the length of the process of laying down a fine whisky, the full release of the Ad Gefrin Single Malt is not expected until 2028.

Jude Leitch, director of Northumberland Tourism, added: “The Ad Gefrin development is extremely exciting for North Northumberland and the county as a whole.

“The benefits that tourism provides for our economy are significant, with £686m spent by tourists in Northumberland during 2017, an increase of 8.5 per cent on the previous year.”

Plans for Ad Gefrin can be viewed and community feedback welcomed, which will take place at an exhibition at No. 2 High Street, Wooler, from today (August 23) to Friday September 1, from 10am until 4pm.

The exhibition will be transferred to Glendale Show on August Bank Holiday Monday. This announcement hopefully heralds a return to prominence of Wooler in the new economics of tourism and consumer-focused production.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →