Isle of Arran Distillers and Dougarie Estate team up to restore damaged peatland

Facilitated by leading peatland restoration consultancy, Caledonian Climate, alongside specialist contractor Angus Estate Plant and primarily funded by Peatland ACTION, the restoration will take place between November 2024 and February 2025, with anticipated emission reductions of just over 16,500 tCO2e over a 55-year period.

An evolving relationship

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, and 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 

With Scotland’s net-zero targets set for 2045, greater efforts are now being placed on restoring damaged peatlands. 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.

A Restorative Process

Caledonian Climate has been appointed to manage the restoration work on Dougarie Estate alongside contractors Angus Estate Plant.

The groundwork, which started in November, 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 will allow a range of species to thrive.

Dougarie Estate and Peatland ACTION are together funding the capital works, demonstrating a commitment by both the Scottish Government and Estate itself to deliver Scotland’s important emissions reduction and climate change goals.  

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.”

Ongoing commitments

Isle of Arran Distillers has committed to funding the site monitoring for the first 5 years post-restoration.

This investment, over what are the most important years of a peatland restoration project, will ensure that the project is effectively maintained to guarantee continued emissions reduction and uphold the project’s integrity.

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.

Lagg Distillery Manager, Graham Omand, said of the project:

“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, 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.”