A GIN DISTILLERY received the go ahead in Stirling.

Understood to be the first ever distillery of its kind in the city, Stirling Gin is investing a six figure sum to create the spirit producing workshop along with a visitor centre.

With planning permission approved, the award winning gin company will be moving into The Old Smiddy on Lower Castlehill.

The Victorian premises, which at various times over the last 160 years been a church meeting hall, a wireless repair shop and of course a blacksmiths will become the company's first self-owned production facility.

It is believed the new distillery will provide up to eight new jobs with Stirling Gin co=owner Cameron McCann saying: “To get the final green light from Stirling Council Planning Department that we can proceed with our plans for The Old Smiddy is just the best news possible to start the New Year with, no doubt about it.

"We will be making a six figure investment in the Old Smiddy and are delighted to play a part in the regeneration of such an historic part of the city and also to be putting down significant roots in our home city and growing Stirling Gin where it belongs, in Stirling.

"So I'd like to thank Stirling Council Planning Department for processing our application so efficiently and now we can look forward to 2018 and creating something really special in our home city that will also hopefully have a positive impact on the area.

"Obviously the Castlehill area is such an historic part of Stirling and I guess it's maybe appropriate that we are going to be opening up the first ever distillery in the city up there.

"Everyone at Stirling Gin is committed to making sure we become an integral part of the business community and hopefully a force for good in all the other aspects of the community we want to get involved in and support."