Whisky industry warned of fracking pollution dangers

Academics say shale gas mining poses risk to waterways and soil

SCOTLAND’S multi-billion-pound whisky industry could be severely damaged by fracking, it has been warned.

The Scottish Government is considering whether to allow fracking for shale gas, with the Central Belt earmarked by industry as a target for development.

The activity could be extended to other areas after public consultation is concluded on May 31.

But academics have warned it could result in waterways, soil and air becoming polluted and having a detrimental effect on the national drink.

Professor Andrew Watterson, of the Centre For Public Health And Population Health Research at Stirling University, said: “The German beer industry has long expressed major concerns that the potential for water contamination from fracking for gas posed a significant risk to their industry.

“The US Environment Protection Agency has also recently acknowledged there are currently no guarantees fracking may not lead to water pollution by toxic chemicals used in the process.”

The Scotch Whisky Association said distillers “need pristine water supplies to make whisky”.

Fracking has the potential to release harmful and polluting chemicals into Scottish waterways, which are essential for whisky production.

Whisky expert Charles MacLean said: “Water is one of three ingredients used to make whisky, and the purity of Scotland’s water is a fundamental part of the Scotch whisky brand.

“Even the potential of water contamination from fracking in Scotland would be a seriously worrying development for the whisky industry and Scotland’s economy.”

The spirit represents 30 per cent of Scottish exports and is worth £5 billion a year to the UK economy while the industry employs about 10,500 people in Scotland and pays £1.3bn in Scottish salaries each year.

Campaigners say this compares with about £50 million a year that would be generated by fracking and an estimated 1,400 jobs they say would be for a limited period.

Stewart Kirkpatrick, head of the campaign group 38 Degrees in Scotland, said: “Whisky is one of the pillars of the Scottish economy. Our reputation for clean water is key to its image around the world.

“The potential risks that fracking poses to our water and our whisky far outweigh any economic benefits it might bring, so why on earth would we swap a strong and secure whisky industry for the potential hazards of fracking?

“Let’s stop it in its tracks and make sure it can’t damage our economy.”

Julie Hesketh-Laird, acting chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “The industry will monitor any developments in hydraulic fracturing activity, or fracking, in Scotland and any potential issues or benefits.

“Business sustainability, including a secure and balanced mix of energy supply options and the impact on the environment – notably water supplies – will be key elements in ensuring that people buying Scotch whisky receive a consistently high-quality product.”