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 aims to secure vital habitats for wildlife, store carbon, and strengthen the cultural links between Scotland’s nature, people and whisky. This sector-wide collaboration highlights the importance of collective action in restoring Scotland’s natural environment.
Over the next five years, the distilleries will contribute £1.6 million to restore approximately 1,000 hectares of peatland. The work will focus on improving resistance to flooding, strengthening wildfire resilience, and enhancing habitats for key species. The goal is to return the area to a healthy, thriving blanket bog.
Scotland’s peatlands play a crucial role in the country’s response to climate change and biodiversity loss. This internationally significant habitat stores an estimated ten times more carbon than all UK forests combined, making its restoration an essential climate strategy.
The Oa project will also benefit threatened species such as Curlew, Snipe, Hen Harrier and Large Heath Butterfly.
RSPB Scotland director Anne McCall commented:
“This partnership at The Oa will allow us to return some of Scotland’s large and internationally important peatlands back to health. It’s a clear example of how conservation and industry can work together to restore Scotland’s unique habitats.”
Much of the peatland at The Oa has been drained through centuries of domestic peat cutting, limiting its capacity to store carbon. Restoration will enable the peat to revegetate and regenerate, improving climate performance and biodiversity.
Alistair Longwell, Head of Distilling and Environment at Suntory Global Spirits, stated:
“We’re delighted to be part of this forward-thinking collaboration. It marks another step in our global sustainability commitment, including the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ initiative. To date, we have restored over 370 hectares across Scotland, including areas at The Oa.”
Kristin Hughes, Global SVP for Sustainability at Diageo, added:
“Collective action across industries is essential if we are to make a lasting impact in restoring Scottish peatlands. By combining expertise and resources, we can accelerate progress toward measurable results.”
Caspar MacRae, President and CEO of The Glenmorangie Company, said:
“At Ardbeg, we recognise the vital role peatlands play in Scotland’s natural heritage. By investing in peatland health, we are supporting biodiversity and safeguarding the landscape for future generations.”
This joint peatland restoration project marks a significant step toward large-scale habitat recovery on Islay and sets a new benchmark for industry-wide cooperation in environmental stewardship.
