Whisky Giants Unite To Restore Islay Peatlands

Scotland's peat bogs are crucial carbon sinks, and their maintenance is vital for managing the impacts of climate change. Major whisky distillers Suntory Global Spirits, Diageo, and The Glenmorangie Company are joining forces with RSPB Scotland to restore 1,000 hectares of peatland at The Oa National Nature Reserve on Islay. This five-year collaborative project marks the first extensive cross-sector partnership between the Scottish whisky industry and conservation groups.

The restoration efforts will focus on enhancing the peatlands' flood resistance and improving their resilience to wildfires, while also creating better habitats for endangered species including the Curlew, Snipe, Hen Harrier, and Large Heath Butterfly. Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland, stated, 'This exciting partnership will allow us to restore the health of some of Scotland’s vast and internationally important peatlands. It is an excellent example of how conservation and industry can work together to restore Scotland’s unique and precious natural habitats.'

The amount of carbon stored in Scotland's peatlands is estimated to be ten times that of all the UK's forests combined, playing an extremely critical role in tackling climate change. The peat bogs at The Oa have been severely impacted by centuries of peat extraction, leading to a decline in their ability to absorb atmospheric carbon. Alistair Longwell, Director of Distilling and Environment at Suntory Global Spirits, commented, 'We are delighted to be part of this forward-thinking collaboration, combining the expertise of RSPB and industry partners to restore the peatlands of Islay.' Suntory has already invested over $4 million globally in peatland conservation through its Peatland Water Sanctuary program and has restored over 370 hectares of peatland in Scotland.

Kristin Hughes, Senior Vice President of Global Sustainability at Diageo, emphasized, 'Collective action across industries and collaboration between environmental leaders are crucial to making a lasting impact on peatland restoration in Scotland.' Caspar MacRae, President and CEO of The Glenmorangie Company, added, 'At Ardbeg, we understand the pivotal role peatlands play in Scotland's natural heritage and in securing a sustainable future.' The restoration efforts will also help improve water quality, benefiting wildlife and local communities.

2025-11-18

Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/whisky-giants-unite-for-1-6m-islay-peatland-project/