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Thu, 26 Mar 2026

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 Whisky giant drops plans for £150m facility in Ayrshire

Suntory Global Spirits did not give a reason for why the plan is not going ahead.

* Suntory Global Spirits has cancelled plans to build a £150m whisky maturation facility in East Ayrshire.
* Permission was granted last year, despite environmental objections, after Scottish government ministers overruled planning reporter David Buylla's recommendation to abandon the scheme.
* The proposed facility would have held 500,000 barrels of spirits and brought about 45 jobs to the area.
* Objectors had expressed concerns over noise levels, water supply, and the potential impact on local residents' health.
* Suntory claims it is redirecting investment to a new local maturation facility but has not provided details yet.
* The company says its investment in Scotland will continue and remains focused on sustainability.