Facing unprecedented droughts and shrinking water supplies, Scottish whisky distilleries, led by innovative research from the University of Aberdeen and supported by Chivas Brothers, are adopting nature-based water management techniques to secure production and protect local ecosystems.
Scottish distilleries are increasingly turning to scientific innovation in response to unprecedented water shortages that are jeopardising their production capabilities. As climate conditions shift, particularly during one of Scotland's driest starts to the year, firms are recognising the vital importance of sustainable water management. This growing concern prompted the University of Aberdeen to embark on pioneering research, funded by the whisky business Chivas Brothers, to develop nature-based solutions aimed at alleviating water scarcity issues.
In recent weeks, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issued nationwide alerts regarding low water levels, alarming distillers, especially in key regions such as Speyside, home to half of Scotland's malt distillers. These conditions necessitate continuous access to water—the lifeblood of whisky production. The innovative project led by scientists from the University of Aberdeen and the James Hutton Institute seeks to broaden research initiatives, building on previous successes, such as those at The Glenlivet distillery, where small leaky dams were installed to capture water during wet periods for use during droughts.
Dr Josie Geris, a hydrology lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and project lead, emphasised the importance of understanding local hydrological characteristics. "We will take a comprehensive look at data gathered from across Speyside," she stated. This research aims not only to benefit the whisky industry but also to safeguard the water supply for the three per cent of the Scottish population reliant on vulnerable private water sources.
The team is exploring various nature-based solutions for water management, such as enhancing soil and vegetation, which could yield benefits beyond the distilleries. These efforts are essential, especially considering the anticipated increase in heatwaves due to climate change, which threaten water availability. By focusing on hydrological models, they plan to determine which measures are most effective in different environments.
PhD student Jennifer Pirie noted the diversity of environments across Speyside and the need for tailored approaches. "What works best where will depend on local site characteristics," she explained. This level of detail is crucial for developing solutions that can effectively mitigate water scarcity while also addressing flooding and improving carbon storage and biodiversity. Such initiatives are indicative of the whisky sector's commitment to tackling climate change.
The River Within, a broader programme associated with this research, aims to restore and enhance river ecosystems in northeast Scotland. Collaborating with multiple river trusts, the initiative includes habitat restoration projects designed to protect and improve the health of Scotland's rivers and waterways. According to Dr Ronald Daalmans of Chivas Brothers, this partnership not only supports whisky production but crucially addresses the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
Chivas Brothers exemplifies a commitment to sustainability within the whisky industry. Their Dalmunach Distillery has employed energy-efficient measures that significantly reduce environmental impact, achieving substantial savings in energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and water consumption over nearly a decade. Additionally, their exploration of biogas production from distillery waste represents a forward-thinking approach to waste management and energy use.
As the whisky industry navigates these challenging environmental conditions, the interconnection between academic research and practical applications illustrates a proactive response to climate challenges. The collaboration among scientists, distilleries, and environmental organisations heralds a new chapter in whisky production—one that harmonizes tradition with innovation, ensuring the sector's resilience amidst evolving climate realities.
In a world increasingly affected by climate-related demands, the lessons learned in Speyside could serve as a model for other industries grappling with similar sustainability challenges. As project insights and strategies are developed, they promise not only to sustain whisky production but also to enrich Scotland’s environmental landscape for generations to come.
Reference Map:
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative highlights recent initiatives by Scottish distilleries, particularly The Glenlivet, to address water scarcity through scientific research and nature-based solutions. The earliest known publication date of similar content is 15 March 2018, when a University of Aberdeen student began a PhD project with Chivas Brothers to combat climate change effects on distillery water resources. ([abdn.ac.uk](https://www.abdn.ac.uk/news/11689/?utm_source=openai)) The report also references a 2 August 2022 article discussing the installation of small dams at The Glenlivet distillery to capture water during wet periods for use during droughts. ([standard.co.uk](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/aberdeenshire-b1016247.html?utm_source=openai)) While the core information has been previously reported, the recent focus on The Glenlivet's specific initiatives and the collaboration with the University of Aberdeen provides a fresh perspective. However, the report's reliance on earlier publications and the recycling of older material, despite updated data, suggests a moderate freshness score. Additionally, the report includes a reference map with links to earlier publications, indicating a recycling of content. The inclusion of updated data may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([standard.co.uk](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/aberdeenshire-b1016247.html?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The report includes direct quotes from Dr. Josie Geris, a hydrology lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, and PhD student Jennifer Pirie. A search reveals that Dr. Geris has been quoted in earlier publications, such as a 15 March 2018 article discussing a PhD student's collaboration with Chivas Brothers to address water scarcity. ([abdn.ac.uk](https://www.abdn.ac.uk/news/11689/?utm_source=openai)) This suggests that the quotes may have been reused from previous reports. However, the specific wording of the quotes in the current report does not match exactly with earlier publications, indicating potential paraphrasing. The absence of identical matches for the quotes raises the possibility of original or exclusive content. Given the lack of exact matches and the potential for paraphrasing, the quotes are likely original, warranting a higher score.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Record, a reputable Scottish newspaper. The report also references the University of Aberdeen and Chivas Brothers, both established and credible organisations. The inclusion of direct quotes from Dr. Josie Geris and PhD student Jennifer Pirie, both affiliated with the University of Aberdeen, further supports the reliability of the sources. The presence of a reference map with links to earlier publications indicates thorough sourcing. The use of reputable organisations and the inclusion of direct quotes from credible individuals enhance the reliability of the report.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The report discusses the impact of water scarcity on Scottish distilleries and the collaborative efforts between the University of Aberdeen and Chivas Brothers to develop nature-based solutions. This aligns with previous reports, such as a 2 August 2022 article discussing the installation of small dams at The Glenlivet distillery to capture water during wet periods for use during droughts. ([standard.co.uk](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/aberdeenshire-b1016247.html?utm_source=openai)) The inclusion of direct quotes from Dr. Josie Geris and PhD student Jennifer Pirie adds credibility to the claims. The report's focus on specific initiatives and the collaboration between academia and industry enhances its plausibility. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate and official communications, and the structure is focused on the main claim without excessive or off-topic detail. The report does not exhibit unusual drama or vagueness, and the spelling and phrasing are appropriate for the UK context. The presence of a reference map with links to earlier publications indicates thorough sourcing. Overall, the report presents plausible claims supported by credible sources.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The report presents a narrative about Scottish distilleries, particularly The Glenlivet, collaborating with the University of Aberdeen to address water scarcity through scientific research and nature-based solutions. While the core information has been previously reported, the recent focus on specific initiatives and the inclusion of direct quotes from credible individuals provide a fresh perspective. The reliance on earlier publications and the recycling of older material, despite updated data, suggest a moderate freshness score. The quotes are likely original, warranting a higher score. The use of reputable organisations and credible individuals enhances the reliability of the sources. The report's claims are plausible and supported by credible sources. Given the mixed findings, the overall assessment is 'OPEN' with medium confidence.
