Moray MP Douglas Ross visits Dalmunach distillery to discuss sustainable Scotch 100 days ahead of COP26

Moray's MP visited Dalmunach distillery in Carron to hear how the Scotch Whisky industry is making strides in sustainability.

Yesterday's visit by Douglas Ross was timed 100 days in advance of the COP26 conference in Glasgow this November.

At Dalmunach he met with Graeme Cruikshank and Ronald Daalmans from Chivas, as well as Graeme Littlejohn from the Scotch Whisky Association.

The industry has committed to hit net zero emissions in industry operations by 2040.

That's five years ahead of the Scottish Government’s target, and 10 years ahead of the UK Government’s.

It is also seeking to dramatically reducing the sector’s environmental impact in key areas such as packaging and water use.

Commenting after yesterday's visit, Mr Ross said: "Dalmunach is not just a stunning distillery to look at, deservedly winning awards for its design and construction.

"In addition to that is also playing its part to protect the environment and contribute to the sustainability of Scotch Whisky production.

"A hundred days out from the COP26 conference is an opportunity to assess what is being done by the industry to be more environmentally friendly and to meet their own targets of net zero emissions by 2040.

"It was very impressive to tour round Dalmunach and see first-hand the measures they have put in place to be more energy efficient.

"Being home to so many distilleries, Moray has a big role to play.

"I know all our local distilleries will do what they can in the run-up to COP26 and beyond to produce Scotch in the most sustainable way possible."

The industry was the first of its kind to launch a sector-wide environmental strategy in 2009.

It has since reduced greenhouse gas emissions by a third, improved water efficiency by 22%, and made a 75% reduction in waste to landfill.

Graeme Littlejohn, the director of strategy for the SWA, added: "The industry is proud of progress already make to drive down our environmental impact, but there is much more to do.

"Our new sustainability strategy commits us to go further and faster and underlines the industry’s commitment to reach net-zero by 2040.

"It has been great to see such fantastic support throughout Scotland as distilleries and supply chain sites open their doors.

"We look forward to November’s COP26 conference.

"It's a chance for the Scotch Whisky industry to showcase its ambition to tackle climate change, and to be a key player in the conversations around how business and government can work together in the race to zero."

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