High rise tank plan

Julie Gilbert • Published 21 Oct 2009 15:00

A DISTILLERY'S plans for 33 massive storage tanks - nine of which will be the same height as a 13-storey high rise block of flats - are being considered.

Whisky maker Edrington wants to build a tank farm at its Drumchapel site, just off the A82.

It would consist of 33 tanks, nine of which would be 21ft in diameter and 129ft high, which is almost the same height as the Blairdardie high rise flats further up Great Western Road.

There will also be three medium tanks which will be 68ft high and 21 small tanks which will be 65ft high.

They will be used to store whisky, which is classed as a hazardous substance because of its flammable nature.

Due to the location of the site, only a few immediate neighbours were notified but resident Sheila Ramsay, who is a member of the Drumchapel Safety Forum, believes such a large scale project could affect many others.

She said: "We in Drumchapel are very mindful that Edrington is a big employer here which is very much appreciated.

"But with the hazardous nature of the substance and so many tanks I am worried about the risk of explosion.

"And I'm also concerned that it will look really bad."

The Clydebank Post approached the Edrington Group about Shelia's concerns.

A spokesman said: "The project involves an investment of around eight-million pounds and is a further sign of the group's commitment to its Scottish operations, in which it has invested over forty-two-million pounds in the last five years.

"As part of the consultation process, Edrington has held discussions with Glasgow City Council, the Health and Safety Executive and Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.

"As a result of these talks, Edrington is confident that it has been able to resolve all issues raised and that its plan is now acceptable to all interested parties.

"If granted planning permission, Edrington would hope to have the plant operational by early 2011."

Anyone wanting to make representations should write to Planning, Development and Regeneration Services, 229 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1QU.

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This article appeared in Clydebank Post 21 Oct 09

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