‘Potential pollution incident’ near Glen Ord distillery being investigated
A DISTILLERY operator has been asked to investigate a “potential pollution incident” near its Ross-shire site.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) confirmed it has received a report relating to an incident near the Logie Burn close to the Glen Ord of Singleton distillery in Muir of Ord.
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SEPA’s role is to make sure that the environment and human health are protected and to ensure that Scotland’s natural resources and services are used as sustainably as possible and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
A spokesperson said: “SEPA received a report of a potential pollution incident at the Logie Burn near the Singleton distillery, Muir of Ord, on September 20, 2024.
“The site operator was asked to investigate.
“The operator informed SEPA that they were cleaning pipework using clean water and approximately 200 - 300 litres of wash water which should have been contained in their effluent tank escaped into surface water drainage on site.
“Mitigation measures were deployed to prevent the effluent reaching the Logie Burn and a clean-up was instigated.
“The operator is continuing to monitor the effectiveness of these measures. We await the outcome of their investigation into the source of the leak.”
One concerned observer who contacted the Ross-shire Journal, and shared an image of the appearance of the burn, said the area is popular with dog walkers and that dogs sometimes swim there. They voiced concern for wildlife and habitats.
SEPA added: “We ask anyone who is concerned about potential pollution to contact SEPA as soon as possible via the Pollution Hotline 0800 80 70 60 or by submitting an online report at sepa.org/report.”
The distillery has established itself as an award-winning attraction and welcomes in excess of 60,000 visitors a year.
Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery has long been one of the area’s top tourist attractions.
The Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery was named Scotland’s Leading Distillery Tour 2024 at the World Travel Awards (WTA).
Diageo, the operator of the distillery, has been contacted for comment.
