Whyte and Mackay are excited to announce their partnership with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) for a new biodiversity initiative along the Cromarty Firth.
This project aims to regenerate a self-sustaining native mussel reef and seagrass bed. This latest initiative from The Green Print delivers against our commitment to nature stewardship.
We have been continuing to investigate how to make a positive impact on our local environment. To support this, we have commissioned SAMS Enterprise to consult on how we can enhance biodiversity and the marine environment, stimulating prosperity and growth of biodiversity in the Cromarty Firth.
‘For me personally, I am passionate about the conservation field within sustainability. For us, at Whyte and Mackay we genuinely want to be good stewards of our natural environment and play a positive role in our local community, which has been home to our whisky making for many years.
Sustainability does not start or end at the distillery door. Our location, beside one of Scotland’s great natural waterways – the Cromarty Firth – is a key part of what makes this place special.
We want to ensure that we have a thriving biodiverse ecosystem around us for future generations to enjoy.’
Rachael Clark, Sustainability Lead, Whyte and Mackay
The marine science team at SAMS Enterprise has developed an innovative approach as part of the partnership with Whyte and Mackay, including desk-based study, fieldwork, and laboratory analysis, which will result in the production of a monitoring and management plan for the immediate shoreline around the Cromarty Firth. The project will focus on assessing current seagrass and mussel populations as well as looking ahead to various restoration and replanting opportunities for the future.
‘SAMS Enterprise are delighted to be working with Whyte and Mackay on this exciting and scientifically important research into the health and restoration opportunities for the Cromarty Firth. We look forward to this long-term collaboration, delivering ground-breaking research and restoration mechanisms for both the local area as well as Scotland as a whole.’
Mike Spain, Head of SAMS Enterprise
The Firth is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for the purpose of wildlife conservation as it is home to several protected species. As stewards of our natural environment, Whyte and Mackay believe this initiative is an important way to work to enhance this biodiversity and support the future of the Cromarty Firth.
The seagrass and mussel beds create complex physical structures on the seabed that work together to support one another. Seagrass beds are a Priority Marine Feature in Scotland’s seas. This is because these seagrass beds provide shelter for all sorts of other marine life, increasing biodiversity, so it’s critically important that they are protected. These seagrasses grow best in undisturbed, clean water, while the mussels act as a powerful and efficient water filter, with both features supporting the growth of the other. This multispecies enhancement will allow the whole ecosystem of the Cromarty Firth to flourish.
The seagrass beds will need time to mature. Mussel populations will require a concerted effort to create the right habit and encourage them back to a self-sustaining state. This means long-term thinking and commitment. Luckily this comes naturally to Whyte and Mackay, whose award-winning whiskies take time to perfect. The long-term vision is to increase biodiversity and enhance the ecosystem of the Firth. This conservation project demonstrates Whyte and Mackay’s investment in proper, sustained stewardship of the natural environment surrounding our highland homes in line with our strategic priorities.
This exciting new project is in the early stages and forms just one part of Whyte and Mackay’s detailed sustainability strategy: The Green Print. This project will bring together two key pillars of the strategy: water and biodiversity and marks the beginning of what is hoped to become a fruitful and long-lasting partnership with The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).