In a bid to reduce carbon emissions, the Isle of Arran distillers has partnered up with Dougarie Estate to restore 325 hectares of damaged peatland.
When peatland is in a healthy condition, it can help to capture and store carbon, reduce flood risks and improve water quality. When it is damaged, these gases are released into the atmosphere.
Work is already underway (Image: Supplied) A Scottish Government study found that the country’s deepest peats store around ten times as much carbon as is in the whole of the UK’s forest biomass.
Peatland is often used in the Scottish whisky industry – when burned, it can give whisky a distinct, smoky flavour.
READ MORE: Exploring Scotland’s peat – an endangered resource that when it’s gone, it’s gone
Yet amid growing concerns about the climate implications of peat extraction, distilleries are starting to look towards more sustainable practices when it comes to peat.
The new project, announced on Monday, is a collaboration between the Isle of Arran distillers’ Lagg Distillery, peatland restoration consultancy Caledonian Climate and contractor Angus Estate Plant.
The project is primarily funded by Peatland ACTION and is expected to last until February, with initial work beginning in November.
This includes drain blocking, hagg reprofiling and gully relandscaping which will help to return the dried peatland to its natural bog-like state.
(Image: Supplied) The Isle of Arran Distillers has committed to funding the site monitoring for the first five years post-restoration.
Commenting, Jamie Gibbs, owner of Dougarie Estate, said: “Dougarie Estate is delighted to be working with Isle of Arran Distillers’ Lagg Distillery to restore peatland in North Arran’s National Scenic Area.
“The capital works have already started, supported by Peatland ACTION, with the aim of the first stage being completed by February 2025.
“Our hope is that this project will significantly reduce carbon emissions on the Isle of Arran and add value to the local environment over many years.”
Meanwhile, Graham Omand, manager of Lagg Distillery, said: “Lagg Distillery is committed to helping shape a greener future for all, with the goal of becoming net-zero by 2040.
“We’re proud to be working on this pioneering peatland restoration project, which will see wildlife and habitats in the area restored, enhanced water quality for local people and a significant reduction in carbon emissions over the project lifespan.
“This is just one of the many measures that Isle of Arran Distillers, as owners of two distilleries on the Isle, has taken to improve its carbon impact and environmental strategy.
“Our whole team is looking forward to learning more about the restoration process and understand the impact of the work being done.”