The Tomatin Distillery is more than just another distillery. Since 1897 the people of the distillery have worked hard to build the Tomatin community that exists today and lies at the heart of the company culture. Many of the employees live on site in the distillery houses. It is more than just a job, it is a way of life. This in turn is reflected in the quality of the different whiskies produced at the distillery; every bottle of whisky made is distilled with pride.

“We are aware that it is very easy to make statements about supporting sustainability and having a care for the environment but it’s actions that really count. This substantial investment in the work of Highland Tourism demonstrates our real commitment to a number of goals. They include working along with fellow members of the Scotch Whisky Association towards achieving the ambitious target, for the industry, of being carbon net zero by 2045 as well as supporting our key responsibility to our local community by protecting the local environment through conservation and sustainable practices to enhance the ecosystem resilience.

 

“We have watched the rapid growth of Highland Tourism and believe their goals for the sector, the region, and world-class sustainable status will bring many benefits for the economy and the environment which we are glad to support.”

 

Stephen Bremner, Managing Director at The Tomatin Distillery.

Once the biggest distillery in Scotland, the company was capable of producing 12 million litres every year. Now the distillery produces just over 2 million with a focus on quality over quantity. The distillery offers a portfolio of single malt and blended whiskies including the Tomatin single malt, Cù Bòcan single malt, The Antiquary premium blended whisky. The company has gone from strength to strength and their whiskies are now sold in over 60 export markets.

Sustainability Initiatives at Tomatin Distillery

Risk Management & Pollution Prevention: The company are committed to the principles of risk management, pollution prevention and undertaking their operations as a responsible corporate member of society. The operations are conducted in such a way that utilise sustainable raw materials, maximise the efficiency of processes and natural resource use, and minimise environmental emissions and impacts.

 

Packaging Sustainability/Reuse/Recycling Policy: The company drives continuous improvements for their products and packaging and/to ensure packaging is manufactured from sustainable materials, sourced responsibly, used minimally and is ultimately reusable or recyclable.

 

Installation of a Biomass Boiler: Provides a sustainable/low emission energy source by utilising steam, generated on site, for the distillation process of making whisky therefore reducing the environmental/greenhouse gas emissions

 

Protecting Surrounding Natural Habitats: The sympathetic distillery site maintenance allows the production of whisky to work in harmony with the surrounding natural habitats.

Water Intake and Use Upgrade Measures: A new weir/Coanda screen and automated control valves (linked to automated temperature control valves on the process condensers) have been installed, along with daily monitoring of the water level data from the local gauging station, to ensure over abstraction/overuse of water is prevented and a healthy water environment is maintained for the Allt Na Frithe Burn and River Findhorn.

 

Draff removal: Draff, which is a solid residue generated from the mashing process, was previously used in animal feed. Now this is sent to local anaerobic Biogas Plant to generate biogas (Green Sustainable Fuel).

 

Reed Bed Effluent Treatment System: The reed bed water treatment system has been built at the distillery to manage process effluent during the production of whisky. 

 

Electric Company Vehicles: The company are moving to all electric vehicles. Currently the fleet comprises of 5 all electric vehicles and 3 hybrids.