Major whisky makers join forces for first-of-its-kind peatland revival at RSPB reserve
Today a landmark conservation partnership has been announced, with RSPB Scotland and major whisky distillers Suntory Global Spirits, Diageo and The Glenmorangie Company uniting to restore peatland on Islay; one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.
The project at The Oa nature reserve is set to secure vital habitats for wildlife, store carbon, and celebrate the cultural roots that link Scotland’s nature, people, and whisky. This unprecedented sector-wide collaboration underlines how working together across industries is vital to restoring Scotland’s nature.
Over the next five years, the distilleries will collectively contribute £1.6 million to restore approximately 1,000 hectares of peatland. The focus will include making the peatland more resistant to flooding, improving resilience against wildfires, and providing improved habitat for many species, transforming the landscape into a healthy, thriving blanket bog.
The peatlands of Scotland are set to play a pivotal role in the country’s response to climate change and species loss. This internationally important habitat sequesters large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere, storing an estimated ten times as much carbon as the entirety of the UK’s forests. Experts often highlight the value of peatland restoration in tackling climate change and mitigating its impacts.
Peatland also acts as a vital habitat for a variety of plants and animals with the restoration work on The Oa set to benefit threatened species such as Curlew, Snipe, Hen Harrier and Large Heath Butterfly.
“This incredibly exciting partnership at the Oa will allow us to return some of Scotland’s large and internationally important peatlands back to health,” said RSPB Scotland director Anne McCall. “It’s a shining example of how conservation and industry can work hand in hand in restoring Scotland’s incredible and unique habitats. We are extremely encouraged to see businesses collaborating to share the responsibility of environmental restoration and protection.
“Healthy peatlands also help improve water quality, which should benefit both wildlife and people.”
The Oa contains a diverse array of habitats and species, from windswept moorland to nature-friendly farmland.
However, much of the blanket bog on the nature reserve has been drained due to centuries of domestic peat cutting. This has reduced the peat’s capacity to take in carbon from the air. Restoring this land will allow the peat to revegetate and return to a healthy, thriving habitat that delivers positively for climate and biodiversity.
Alistair Longwell, Head of Distilling and Environment at Suntory Global Spirits, says: “We’re delighted to be part of this forward-thinking collaboration that combines the expertise of RSPB and industry counterparts to restore peatland on Islay. It marks the latest step in Suntory Global Spirits’ ongoing global sustainability commitment, including the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ initiative. We have dedicated more than $4 million to the conservation and restoration of peatlands and natural watersheds, and to date we have restored over 370 hectares across Scotland, including at The Oa. We look forward to working with our new partners to continue protecting these unique landscapes for generations to come.”
Kristin Hughes, Global SVP for Sustainability at Diageo, says: “Collective action across industries and with environmental leaders is essential if we are to make a lasting impact in restoring Scottish peatlands. By bringing together diverse expertise, resources, and shared commitment, we can accelerate progress toward real, measurable results. Across our peat work, we will invest in improved scientific understandings of the multiple benefits peatland restoration can bring, such as water management, carbon capture and biodiversity. We look forward to delivering collaborative impact and strengthening the case for peatland restoration across Scotland and beyond.”
Caspar MacRae, President and CEO of The Glenmorangie Company, says: “At Ardbeg, we recognise the vital role peatlands play, in Scotland’s natural heritage and in securing a sustainable future. We are proud to be part of this partnership at The Oa, working alongside RSPB Scotland and fellow distillers to restore this precious landscape. By investing in the health of our peatlands, we are investing in the resilience of our environment, supporting biodiversity, and safeguarding the legacy for generations to come.”
About the RSPB:
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, with 1.2 million members and 11,000 volunteers, all acting for nature. We protect and restore habitats and landscapes, save species and are helping to tackle the nature and climate emergency. For over a century we’ve been a voice for birds and the natural world, inspiring and influencing millions through conservation, powerful partnerships and campaigning. Our network of over 200 nature reserves sits at the heart of our world-leading science and conservation delivery. We want to see a shared world where wildlife, wild places and all people thrive.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity. In England and Wales, no: 207076. In Scotland, no: SC037654 rspb.org.uk
About Suntory Global Spirits:
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.
About Diageo:
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is a global company, and its products are sold in nearly 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.
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About The Glenmorangie Company:
This world-renowned and innovative Scotch whisky company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky, the globe’s most highly awarded Highland single malt, and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt, one of the most highly awarded smoky malts. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.
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