Whisky distillation could resume at the birthplace of the amber nectar in Fife in two years’ time.
Proposals to transform Lindores Abbey have taken a step forward and it is hoped construction of a £5 million distillery and visitor centre could start early next year.
The first record of whisky production in Scotland was at the abbey, which is in Newburgh, in 1494.
Drew McKenzie-Smith whose family has owned the land the abbey ruin stands in for a century has been developing his vision for several years and is about to embark on the formal process of seeking planning consent.
It is hoped that the development to be sited opposite the abbey would provide an economic boost for the area, allowing Fife to promote itself as the home of whisky as well as of golf.
Mr McKenzie-Smith said: “I have been talking about this for years, now it’s actually happening.
“Nothing will happen overnight but when it does and visitor numbers increase with people coming from around the world, we really do hope it will benefit the area.
“More important than employment at the distillery will be visitors spending money in Newburgh, staying in accommodation and eating out.”
The abbey is regarded as the spiritual home of Scotland’s national drink, through its association with Friar John Cor, who paid duty on malt in order to make aqua vitae for King James IV at the end of the 15th Century. His work was recorded in the Exchequer roll and is the first written evidence of whisky distillation in Scotland.
Leading whisky expert Dr Jim Swan has been commissioned to create a Lowland single malt that will be distilled using barley from nearby fields and water from the Holy Burn, dug by monks for that purpose.
A share of the proceeds will go towards preserving the abbey, destroyed in 1559 at the behest of reformer John Knox.
A community consultation event is to be held in Newburgh, probably in early April.