AMBITIOUS plans for a £12 million distillery in Inverclyde have been delayed due to lack of investment.

The blueprint for the lowland whisky facility was unveiled more than two years ago in Inverkip.

It is to be built at the site of old sawmill in the Ardgowan Estate adjacent to the A78 and was hailed as a major development bringing up to 30 jobs.

But chief executive Martin McAdam, the man behind the distillery, has admitted work has been held up and won't begin until later next year. He said: “Construction of the distillery is not expected to commence until later in 2020.

"Securing sufficient investment to kick-off the project has proved more challenging than anticipated.

"It is tough to get people to commit capital to a project which will not show a return for many years, but we have a great shareholder base and we are well on our way.

"The Brexit uncertainty has certainly dissuaded some overseas investors from making a decision about investing in the UK." The new distillery plan has attracted huge attention.

It will eventually produce its own malt, but in the meantime bosses would be creating their own gin.

The enterprise has been granted Scottish Government funding.

Mr McAdam remains upbeat despite the challenges the team have faced in securing funding to their vision into a reality.

Mr McAdam added: “On the plus side, we have had a great response to the launch of Coppersmith, our first whisky made for us by our master whisky maker and Inverkip local Max McFarlane.

"His experience is crucial for us as we find out more about the craft of whisky making – which will stand us in great stead when we complete the Ardgowan Distillery and start producing our own spirit.”