Whisky sector ‘threat’ warning

Fracking in Scotland could damage the whisky industry, which supports more than 10,500 Scottish jobs, according to campaigners.

The Scottish Government is considering allowing fracking for shale gas, with the central belt earmarked by industry for development.

The activity could then be rolled out in other areas of Scotland after public consultation is concluded on May 31.

Campaigners 38 Degrees says it could result in waterways, soil and air being 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 concerns

“Need pristine water supplies to make whisky”

that the potential for water contamination from fracking for gas posed a significant risk to their industry. The US Environment Protection Agency has also acknowledged there are no guarantees fracking may not lead to water pollution by toxic chemicals used in the process.”

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