BEITH residents have been invited to attend a consultation meeting over the expansion of the Chivas Brothers whisky bond.

Many locals are concerned about what they see as the relentless expansion of the site at Willowyard and the effects of an unsightly fungus called Whisky Fungus that is blighting their properties.

Whisky Fungus grows where ethanol is released into the atmosphere and coats buildings, guttering and cars.

The large facility is currently undergoing expansion but Chivas Brothers is propoposing to construct even more warehousing for whisky maturation.

Campaigners have set up a website – stopchivasregal.com – to oppose the development with the slogan ‘Chivas Brother’s dream will cost Beith more than a dram!’ Maurice McDonald from the group said: “The bond is slowly creeping towards the town.

"Its footprint is now massive and is verging on being as large as the town of Beith itself." The meeting on Tuesday, March 25 in Beith Community Centre is being hosted by Charles Scott & Partners, the engineering company acting for Chivas Brothers. Details of the proposal will be available for viewing and staff from Charles Scott and Partners will be present to answer questions.

There are two sessions 1-3pm and 4-8pm.