Fund to help Moray distillers go green
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THE UK Government has announced a new scheme to help distilleries cut carbon emissions.
Kwasi Kwarteng, Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, yesterday announced the opening of a £10 million Green Distilling Fund, which is designed to kick-start green innovation across Scotland’s distillery industry.
The cash will assist distilleries to harness energy sources such as low-carbon hydrogen, biomass and repurposed waste to power their operations.
The fund will also be open to gin distillers.
Visiting Benromach Distillery in Forres, UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: "Scotland is world-famous for its whisky and gin distilleries. They are one of our greatest success stories and, as I have seen for myself at Benromach Distillery, are at the heart of our local communities employing over 11,000 people, many in our rural areas.
"This new funding from the UK Government will help the industry to continue the great work so far reducing emissions, adopting new green technologies and create more jobs, all vital on the path to recovery from coronavirus."
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said: "This is a very significant announcement for the Highlands and Islands and for Moray which, as well being the heartland of whisky production, are also host to many up-and-coming gin brands.
"We know that consumers are increasingly demanding that the products they consume are produced responsibly and with respect for the environment.
"This scheme shows that the UK Government recognises the importance of this to the industry and is stepping in to ensure that local businesses are financially supported as they look at new ways of powering their operations.
"I very much hope that there is an enthusiastic uptake for the scheme and that this is reflected in more jobs and more investment locally."
