
In a project that will accelerate the Isle of Arran’s ambitious net-zero strategy, Scottish whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillers, has partnered with Dougarie Estate to restore 325 hectares of damaged peatland.
Peatland, of the kind found in Scotland and some parts of northern Europe, is an excellent carbon sink, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and trapping it in wet ground.
Some environmental scientists argue that peat bogs are much better at long term carbon absorption than trees.
However, when peatland is drained and dries out, it stops absorbing and starts emitting, and work is now underway across Scotland to reverse the wild land drainage mistakes of previous generations.
So it is on Arran, where peatland restoration consultancy, Caledonian Climate, and specialist contractor, Angus Estate Plant, primarily funded by Peatland ACTION, are working on a peatland restoration with anticipated emission reductions of just over 16,500 tonnes of CO2 over a 55-year period.
Of course, the whisky industry has a long-standing connection to Scottish peatland, with peat traditionally being cut and burned to give peated whisky its distinct, smoky flavour.
Amid growing concerns about the climate implications of peat extraction, distilleries are more aware than ever of the need for sustainable practice when it comes to peat.
On Arran’s Dougarie Estate, the groundwork started in November, with drain blocking, hagg reprofiling and gully relandscaping to return the dried peatland to its natural bog-like state and establish a habitat that will allow a range of species to thrive.
While Dougarie Estate and Peatland ACTION are together funding the capital works, Isle of Arran Distillers has committed to funding the site monitoring for the first five years post-restoration, to ensure that the project is effectively maintained.
Owner of Dougarie Estate, Jamie Gibbs, 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.
“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.”
MD of Caledonian Climate, Freddie Ingleby, added: “Healthy peatlands pose a remarkable, natural solution to reducing global carbon emissions.
“It is incredibly reassuring to see businesses like Lagg Distillery and Dougarie Estate invest in the long-term recovery of nature to tackle climate change and boost local biodiversity.
“We hope that the positive impact of this work will compel others to do the same.”