Diageo ‘sincerely sorry’ following pollution incident on River Spey tributary

Drinks giant Diageo has said it is “sincerely sorry” for a pollution incident which killed a significant number of fish and other wildlife on a river tributary in Moray earlier this year.

In May, a chemical thought to be caustic soda entered the water at Knockando burn, which flows into the River Spey.

The director of the Spey Fishery Board said a 2km stretch of the burn had been “destroyed” and could take years to recover.

A number of distilleries operate around the Spey.

A Diageo spokesperson said: “We are working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) following this deeply regrettable incident.

“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.”

A chemical entered the water at Knockando burn (Duncan Ferguson/Spey Fishery Board/PA)

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Sepa’s investigation into the pollution incident is ongoing.

A spokesperson said: “As this is still a live regulatory investigation, it would not be appropriate for us to comment on matters relating to the investigation, including evidence gathered.

“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.

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

Earlier this year Duncan Ferguson, director of the Spey Fishery Board, said the pollution incident was one of the largest he had seen in 36 years of working on the river.

He told the Press Association: “It’s a tragic event.

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

The area is known for its wild salmon fishing, with the fishing season taking place from February through to the end of September.