Whisky giant’s peat bog pledge on Isle of Islay
The owners of two Islay distilleries have moved to help restore precious peatland and water resources to ensure drinks production is sustainable in Scotland, writes Sandy Neil.
Beam Suntory, the maker of Laphroaig, Bowmore and Teacher’s, and its parent company Suntory Holdings have announced the launch of the Peatland Water Sanctuary initiative, a large-scale series of peatland restoration and watershed conservation projects.
The companies plan to invest more than £3 million in the restoration and conservation of 1,300 hectares of peatlands by 2030, enough to produce the same amount of peat that Beam Suntory harvests every year in making its Scotch whiskies on an ongoing basis.
Once restored and conserved, peatland naturally accumulates by 1mm per year, and that 1mm growth spread across 1,300 hectares will equate to Beam Suntory’s annual use.
The first project is due to begin at Ardmore distillery in November 2021, followed by subsequent projects at Bowmore and Laphroaig, and other distilleries across Scotland.
In the first phase, nearly 15 hectares of peatland in the Ardmore Knockandy Hill north side slope will be restored, with more to follow in 2022. Restoration will also potentially include Malsach Burn Valley as early as 2022.
This initial restoration project at Ardmore will be undertaken in partnership with the James Hutton Institute, which is assisting with the research, planning, and execution of the restoration, and Forestry and Land Scotland, which owns the land.
Initial assessments for new projects are already under way on Islay and surveys on potential watershed activities near Beam Suntory’s Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch distilleries are also being planned.
Tak Niinami, CEO of Suntory Holdings, said: ‘The Peatland Water Sanctuary initiative is inspired by Suntory’s Mizu to Ikiru (Living with Water) promise, which is underpinned by our mission to create harmony with people and nature. We believe that water flowing through peatlands is suited for whisky production and by restoring and conserving peatlands we hope to not only contribute to preserving whisky production as an indispensable part of Scotland’s culture, but also fulfil our responsibility as a company that relies on the blessings of nature and water.’
Beyond this 2030 ambition, the long-term aim of the Peatland Water Sanctuary initiative is for Suntory and Beam Suntory to have restored sufficient peatlands by 2040 to equate to twice the volume of peat that Beam Suntory harvests to make its Scotch whiskies.
Although Scotch whisky production as a whole accounts for less than one per cent of Scotland’s peat use, and Beam Suntory’s Scotch production accounts for part of that one per cent, both companies share the industry’s commitment to ensuring their use of peat is sustainable and to making a positive impact on Scotland’s environment more broadly.
Professor Colin Campbell, chief executive of the James Hutton Institute, said: ‘We are pleased to be working alongside Suntory, Beam Suntory and Forestry and Land Scotland on this vital initiative to help restore and protect one of Scotland’s most iconic habitats. Healthy peatlands help build resilience into our water supplies and restoring them allows nature to recover from the impact of climate change and promotes long-term carbon sequestration.
‘These natural assets are essential for sustaining one of Scotland’s most important industries, and it is truly a pleasure to work with partners who have such a well-developed philosophy around the protection of our natural environment.’