Diageo issues apology for Speyside devastation

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The firm allowed a chemical, thought to be caustic soda, to be dumped into the Knockando Burn, a tributary to the River Spey — a watercourse synonymous with Scotland’s whisky industry — in May.

Earlier this year, Spey Fishery Board director Duncan Ferguson described the incident as one of the largest he had seen in 36 years working on the river, adding: “It’s a tragic event.

“It’s a really bad outcome and it didn’t have to happen.”

According to the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) the spill left a two-kilometre stretch of the burn’s ecosystem “destroyed,” killing fish and wildlife.

Diageo called it a “deeply regrettable incident,” adding: “We are sincerely sorry for the damage caused to the local environment and the impact on river users and the wider community.

“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.”

Describing the incident as ongoing, a Sepa spokesperson said: “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.

“Once our investigation is complete, we will consider 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 (COPFS).

“Any decision on prosecution is a matter for COPFS.”