Diageo is being investigated by Scotland’s environmental protection agency over a pollution incident that took place in Moray earlier this year.
In May, news outlets including the BBC and Independent reported on an incident in the River Spey which had killed a significant number fish, birds and eels.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
According to reports, a chemical believed to be caustic soda had spilled into the Knockando Burn tributary.
A Diageo spokesperson said the company was “working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency following this deeply regrettable incident”.
“We are sincerely sorry for the damage caused to the local environment and the impact on river users and the wider community.
They added: “We have updated controls in place, are continuing to fully engage with SEPA as they carry out their investigation and are in discussions on a long-term plan to support regeneration and restoration in the area.”
Bloomberg has reported that the chemical spill came from Diageo’s Johnnie Walker distillery near the river tributary.
The business owns the Cardhu and Knockando distilleries in the area.
Just Drinks has asked Diageo to confirm which of its distilleries is concerned in the investigation.
SEPA said its probe into the incident “remains ongoing”.
“As this is still a live regulatory investigation, it would not be appropriate for us to comment on matters relating to the investigation, including evidence gathered,” it added.
“SEPA continue to assess the environmental impacts of the incident and work with relevant parties to ensure any appropriate action is taken to protect and restore the water environment.”
Upon completing the investigation, the regulator said it will weigh up “enforcement action appropriate in accordance with SEPA’s Enforcement Policy and Guidance and the legislation available to us”.
“Where SEPA consider a potential offence meets the criteria for prosecution, we can submit a report to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Any decision on prosecution is a matter for COPFS.”
Scotch made up 24% of Diageo’s reported net sales in 2026. The group owns 31 Scotch distilleries across Scotland.
In 2021, Diageo said the Scotland-based Alliance for Water Stewardship had awarded eleven of its distilleries situated along the River Spey the International Water Stewardship Standard certification.
At the time it said the certification was “a prestigious certification for how they manage precious water resources”.
Just Drinks has asked the group if any of these distilleries still hold this certification.
