In a project that will accelerate the Isle of Arran’s ambitious net-zero strategy, Isle of Arran Distillers, has partnered with Dougarie Estate to restore damaged peatland. Peatland restoration consultancy, Caledonian Climate, has been appointed to manage the restoration work along with specialist contractor Angus Estate Plant.
The groundwork, which started in November, will include drain blocking, hagg reprofiling and gully relandscaping to return the dried peatland to its natural bog-like state and establish a habitat to support a range of species, many of which are rare or in decline.
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.”
He added, “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.”
Lagg Distillery Manager, Graham Omand 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”
The capital works are being jointly funded by Dougarie Estate and Peatland ACTION, and Isle of Arran Distillers will fund the site monitoring by Caledonian Climate for the first 5 years post-restoration – the most important years of a peatland restoration project.
The whisky industry has a long-standing connection to Scottish peatland, with peat traditionally being cut and burned to give peated whisky a distinct, smoky flavour. However, in recent years, amid growing concerns about the climate implications of peat extraction and with Scotland’s net-zero targets set for 2045, distilleries are more aware than ever of the need for sustainable practice when it comes to peat, with greater efforts placed on restoring damaged peatlands.