A NEW distillery in the Borders set to create 20 permanent jobs has been given the go-ahead from planners.

Scottish Borders Council has approved plans for the St. Boswells development, based at Charlesfield Industrial Estate.

Developers Jackson Distillers say the site will produce 20 million litres of pure alcohol a year.

READ MORE: Two Borders projects receive cash as part of council recovery scheme

Trevor Jackson, founder and CEO of Jackson Distillers, said: “This is another significant step forward in the process to create the Scottish Borders’ first major grain distillery.

“We have had great support for our proposals from local stakeholders across the region and have worked closely with Scottish Borders Council to ensure we created plans that fit into the landscape, present climate change mitigation opportunities and support the local community.

“We are grateful to everyone who has helped us to get to this stage and will continue to work with local stakeholders as we now progress with construction.”

It will be Scotland’s lowest carbon grain distillery, taking “high-quality cereals from the surrounding Tweed Valley”.

READ MORE: Borders company wins global recognition after reducing electricity use by 20%

Developers say the distillery will create 200 construction jobs, as well as 20 “high-value” roles.

The 18-month construction period is scheduled to begin in 2022, and spirit will be produced in 2024.

The distillery will “meet the growing demand for grain whisky for use in Scotch Whisky blending and a Scottish grain neutral spirit for gin and vodka”.

A spokesperson added: “The approved planning application will facilitate a £46 million investment in the local economy.”