CONSTRUCTION work is set to recommence in the Wee County next month in order to rescue the “birthplace” of the Scotch whisky industry from collapse. 

Kennetpans near, Clackmannan, became Scotland’s largest distillery in Scotland in the 1730s and is credited with bringing the distillation of whisky from the farmyard to an industrial scale.

It was a massive exporter of spirit to the London Gin markets and the biggest grain whisky distillery of its time.

Neil Wilson, whisky historian, has described Kennetpans as part of the DNA of the modern worldwide whisky industry.

However, the building, has lay in such a state of disrepair that it is almost completely in ruins.

Historic Environment Scotland is due on site next month to continue stabilising the property with some removal of vegetation already underway.

It is hoped to make Kennetpans more accessible to the public and to illuminate this part of Scotland’s whisky heritage. 

Bryan Frew, of Alloa, acquired the distillery around 10 years after buying a piece of land with his wife Fiona.

He said: “The building is pulling itself apart in about three of four different directions.” 

Mr Frew urged people to stay away from the site for now, given recent damage caused by visitors.

He added: “This building is so important not just to the history of distilling in Scotland but also to the story of the industrialisation of Scotland.

“I would stress the ruin is not open to the public and that some stones are badly damaged. People need to respect it and stay away. It is a very dangerous ruin.”

Mr Frew said progress on the preservation of Kennetpans had been “frustrating” at times given the significance of the building to the story of Scottish whisky. 

He said: “I suppose when you think of whisky you think of somewhere up north but that is really the malt industry. That is only about 10 per cent of total production. 

“The grain whisky is really forgotten. But there really wouldn’t be such a thing as the Scottish whisky industry if it wasn’t for grain whisky.” 

“Kennetpans, the birthplace of the Scottish Whisky Industry, the very Genesis of all things Scotch, lies unloved and in ruins. 

“We created modern distilling, gave it to the World and this is how much Scotland cares about this unique and frankly incredible historical legacy. We don’t. Not one bit. It’s a disgrace.” 

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) said that Kennetpans, although almost in ruins, was the “most complete survivor” of these once economically important east coast distilleries and was “unquestionably” a monument of national importance. 

The preservation work has been possible due to funding from HES, Heritage Lottery Fund and the support of the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative.