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Isle of Arran Distillers restores peatland
Lagg and Lochranza distillery owner Isle of Arran Distillers has partnered with Scotland’s Dougarie Estate to restore 325 hectares of damaged peatland.
Commenced on Dougarie Estate on the Isle of Arran, the initiative is facilitated by peatland restoration consultancy Caledonian Climate in partnership with specialist contractor Angus Estate Plant and is primarily funded by Peatland Action.
The restoration will take place between November 2024 and February 2025, and over 55 years, it is anticipated to reduce emissions by just over 16,500 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e).
Graham Omand, distillery manager of Lagg, commented: “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 restore wildlife and habitats in the area, enhance water quality for local people, and significantly reduce carbon emissions over the project’s 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 understanding the impact of the work being done.”
The groundwork will encompass drain blocking, hagg reprofiling and gully relandscaping to return the dried peatland to its natural bog-like state and establish a habitat that allows a range of species to thrive.
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.”
Isle of Arran Distillers has committed to funding the site monitoring for the first five years post-restoration.
The ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the land will be conducted by Caledonian Climate, with regular reviews of the site’s biodiversity levels and water quality taking place to measure the benefits of the restoration work for the island’s wider ecosystem.
Whisky and peat
The whisky industry has a deep-rooted connection to Scottish peatland. Traditionally, peat has been cut and burned to impart a distinct smoky flavour to peated whisky.
However, in recent years, growing concerns about the environmental impact of peat extraction have made distilleries more aware of the importance of sustainable practices regarding peat use.
With Scotland’s net-zero targets set for 2045, greater efforts are now being placed on restoring damaged peatlands.
Freddie Ingleby, managing director of Caledonian Climate, 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; it is only with greater private investment that we can begin to achieve large-scale peatland restoration.”
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