Isle of Arran Distillers has announced a significant environmental partnership with Dougarie Estate to restore 325 hectares of damaged peatland, marking a major step in the distillery’s journey toward net-zero goals.
The project, now running until February 2025, aims to reduce emissions by over 16,500 tCO2e across a 55-year period. Leading peatland restoration consultancy Caledonian Climate will manage the project alongside specialist contractor Angus Estate Plant. The project is funded primarily by Peatland ACTION.
Scotch whisky has an inherent and historic relationship with peat. In whisky-making, peat is extracted and burned during the barley-drying process, imbuing the barley (and therefore the whisky) with a distinct smoky flavor. In particular, Scottish islands such as Islay are noted for their peated whisky production. Isle of Arran Distiller’s Lagg Distillery also produces peated whisky. However, in recent years, concerns have grown regarding the environmental implications and sustainability of peat extraction. Efforts such as this project by Isle of Arran Distillers aim to restore damaged peatlands. According to a press release by Isle of Arran Distillers, “When healthy, peatlands actively sequester CO2, storing an estimated 510kg of carbon emissions per hectare, the waterlogged, diverse environment also serves as the ideal habitat for an array of species, many of which are rare or in decline.”
Project Scope & Impact
The restoration work involves comprehensive ground modifications including drain blocking, hagg reprofiling, and gully relandscaping. These efforts will help return the dried peatland to its natural bog-like state, creating vital habitats for diverse species.
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.”
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Long-term Commitment
Isle of Arran Distillers has committed to funding site monitoring for the first five years post-restoration. Lagg Distillery Manager Graham Omand emphasized the company’s environmental goals: “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.”Freddie Ingleby, MD of Caledonian Climate, noted the broader implications: “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; it is only with greater private investment that we can begin to achieve large-scale peatland restoration.”
