Isle of Arran Distillers has announced a partnership with the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) to support marine conservation and education on the Scottish island. The collaboration between the Lochranza Distillery and the environmental organization aims to expand ocean preservation efforts that have been ongoing for three decades.
The partnership represents a growing trend among Scottish distilleries to engage in environmental initiatives as the whisky industry faces increased scrutiny over sustainability practices. Scotland’s whisky sector contributes approximately £5.5 billion ($7.1 billion) annually to the UK economy while navigating environmental responsibilities.
Arran Whisky Producer Commits to Local Marine Protection
COAST has operated since the 1990s, focusing on scientific research, community engagement and advocacy for marine biodiversity around Arran. The organization runs the COAST Discovery Centre and operates the research vessel RV COAST Explorer for hands-on marine studies.
“As the only whisky producer on the Isle of Arran, a global exporter, and one of the island’s largest visitor attractions, it is very important to us to work with local organisations to protect and care for our unique island environment,” said Euan Mitchell, Managing Director of Isle of Arran Distillers.
The distillery, established in 1995, produces several single malt expressions and attracts thousands of visitors annually to its Lochranza facility. The company’s environmental commitment aligns with broader industry movements toward sustainable production methods and community engagement.
Scottish Whisky Industry Embraces Conservation Partnerships
The collaboration will focus on promoting awareness and education about Arran’s marine ecosystem through joint initiatives. Both organizations expressed ambitions to influence environmental policy and sustainability efforts on the island.
Aine Purcell-Milton, Executive Director of COAST, highlighted the organization’s educational programs and research partnerships. The group has established connections with academic institutions nationally and globally while maintaining its community-led approach to conservation.
The Isle of Arran, located in the Firth of Clyde, has become a case study for marine conservation success. The establishment of Scotland’s first No Take Zone in Lamlash Bay in 2008, following COAST’s advocacy, demonstrated the potential for community-driven environmental protection.
This partnership reflects growing recognition within the whisky industry of environmental stewardship responsibilities. Major Scottish distilleries have increasingly invested in sustainability initiatives, from renewable energy adoption to peatland restoration projects.
For Isle of Arran Distillers, the COAST partnership represents a strategic alignment between business operations and environmental preservation. The distillery’s position as a major employer and tourist destination on the island provides a platform for amplifying conservation messages to international audiences.
The collaboration announcement comes as Scotland’s whisky industry navigates post-Brexit trade challenges while maintaining its reputation for quality and tradition. Environmental credentials increasingly factor into consumer purchasing decisions, particularly in premium spirits markets.
Read the full article at Arran Whisky Partners with Marine Conservation Group
