Whisky Bond gets royal approval
14 May 2012 13:13:25
An iconic bonded warehouse in the heart of Kilmarnock’s conservation area received royal approval on Friday by HRH Duke of Rothesay, The Prince Charles.
This Grade B listed building was originally built in 1897 as a bonded warehouse, housing a cooper’s shop, bottle-washing house, joiners’ shop and warehouse as part of the thriving John Walker & Sons whisky empire, which once dominated the heart of the town at Croft Street and Strand Street.
His Royal Highness toured building which has been extensively redeveloped to provide modern, accessible and energy-efficient accommodation for 325 East Ayrshire Council employees. In total some 900 Council employees are now based in the heart of Kilmarnock town centre, and the renaissance of the Johnnie Walker Bond reflects the Council’s commitment to regenerate town centres across East Ayrshire, to put public services into the heart of local towns and to boost the local lunchtime economy.
He chatted with employees from the services based in this new building, including Economic Development, Skills Development and Employability, Planning, Roads and Social Work and was introduced to representatives from the local business community who are actively involved in the regeneration and development of the town centre before unveiling a specially commissioned plaque to mark the official opening of the building.
The lid of a whisky barrel, kindly donated by Diageo, was artistically stencilled in the traditional style and will be proudly displayed in the Johnnie Walker Bond.
Fiona Lees, Chief Executive of East Ayrshire Council said: “We are absolutely delighted that His Royal Highness The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay visited The Johnnie Walker Bond today.
“This building plays a vital role in the history and heritage of Kilmarnock and is the only remaining building of the former Walker complex which once dominated the centre of the town.
“His Royal Highness has already made an immense contribution to regeneration in East Ayrshire through his work at Dumfries House and Knockroon and we have benefitted from the skills and experience of the Princes Charities on wider regeneration projects.
“It is, therefore, a great honour for Kilmarnock that His Royal Highness The Prince Charles is here today to unveil a plaque to commemorate the official opening of the Johnnie Walker Bond.”
Before leaving the Bond, former Diageo cooper, William Adams presented His Royal Highness with a special commemorative bottle of Johnnie Walker Gold Label whisky.
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