Diageo apologizes for chemical spill in Scottish river

Diageo has issued a formal apology following a chemical spill at its Cardhu distillery in Moray, Scotland, which caused significant environmental damage. In May, caustic soda entered Knockando Burn, a tributary of the River Spey, affecting approximately 1.2 miles (2km) of the waterway.

The spill resulted in the deaths of thousands of fish and other wildlife. Duncan Ferguson, director of the Spey Fishery Board, described the incident as one of the worst he has witnessed in 36 years, stating the affected stretch has been effectively “destroyed” and may take years to recover.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is conducting an ongoing investigation. SEPA stated it will consider enforcement action and potential referral to prosecutors once the investigation is complete. Diageo has reported that it has strengthened its environmental controls and is discussing long-term restoration plans for the area.