Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of Pernod Ricard and maker of Scotch whisky brands including The Glenlivet and Aberlour, has announced a new, long-term investment programme to preserve, protect and improve the health of rivers and waterways in North-East Scotland, some of which flow through Chivas Brothers-owned land.
Over a third of Scotland’s rivers have compromised ecological health meaning that, by the end of this century, they could face three times as many droughts and up to 40% more flooding, threatening the diversity of life in and around the waterways.
While waterways are not only a vital source of life for Scotland’s wildlife, they are also a key component and ingredient of whisky making, which depends on the health of the rivers, banks, burns and springs and this is one of the drivers of Chivas Brothers commitment to water stewardship making it a part of their vision to shape the future of sustainable Scotch.
The partnership, called ‘The River Within’, a collaboration between Chivas Brothers and The Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust, Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust, and the Spey Catchment Initiative, will focus on enhancing biodiversity, limiting rises to water temperature from climate change and strengthening the longer-term resilience of the rivers.
Julie Gallacher, Head of Sustainability & Responsibility at Chivas Brothers, said, “Scotland’s waterways are the lifeblood of whisky production, so while we use this precious resource responsibly, returning 96% of what we use to its source, we like to think there’s a ‘river within’ each bottle. Many of our distilleries are built on the banks of treasured Scottish rivers and it’s from these waters that our renowned whiskies are endowed with their unique spirit, essence and even their names.
“Just as we rely on the rivers, the rivers rely on us. The art of whisky making is a delicate balance, so too is the Scottish landscape in which we craft it. That is why we are proud to launch this partnership with the three River Trusts to protect and build a resilient network of Scottish rivers and riverbanks that support biodiversity for generations to come.”
Richard Miller, Director at The Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust, said, “Many of the species Scotland is known for and their habitats are currently facing unprecedented challenges. One of these is the Atlantic Salmon which was recently reclassified by the IUCN from ‘least concern’ to ‘endangered’ in Great Britain.
“We are delighted to be a partner in ‘The River Within’ programme which will provide essential resources to ensure Deveron fish stocks have free access to cold, clean, water. This will be achieved by removing obstacles to fish passage, creation of 3D buffer strips along field margins, riparian planting, fish refuge creation and habitat restoration. We very much look forward to working with Chivas Brothers on this new and exciting project.”
Bob Laughton, Director at Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust, said, “We are delighted to welcome this new partnership with Chivas Brothers, and the support it will provide towards our nature recovery ambitions for our river catchments.
“The aims of ‘The River Within’ are closely aligned with the work on our new flagship project, the Findhorn Watershed Initiative. Chivas Brothers’ support will ensure riparian woodland and river restoration schemes that are currently in development are resourced, helping them to be turned into reality and delivered on the ground.
“We have been impressed by the leadership being demonstrated by Chivas Brothers and Pernod Ricard in committing significant investment to support the health and resilience of our rivers and look forward to working with them over the years to come.”
Roger Knight, Chief Executive at the Spey Catchment Initiative, added, “Spey Catchment Initiative are delighted to join forces with Chivas Brothers in this groundbreaking partnership, ‘The River Within’. This collaboration marks a significant step towards safeguarding and enhancing the vitality of the Spey catchment’s rivers and waterways, which are not only crucial for our native wildlife but also for the communities that live alongside them and industries that thrive because of them.
Picture: Julie Gallacher of Chivas Brothers and Robert Laughton, Penny Lawson and Richard Miller, representatives of three Scottish River Trusts, examine the water quality of the River Spey at Craigellachie Bridge near Aberlour.