Scottish distillers switch power off for WWF

Published: 07 March, 2011

The Scotch Whisky Association is calling on its members to support the WWF's Earth Hour, which means switching off the lights for an hour on March 26.

The worldwide event aims to highlight people and wildlife threatened by climate change.

Hydro-powered distillery Deanston at Doune already supports the initiative and uses traditional methods and only Scottish barley to produce its whisky.

Last year millions of people in 128 countries took part in WWF's Earth Hour. Some of the world's most recognisable landmarks went dark including Edinburgh Castle, the Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower and the Pyramids of Giza.

Dr Richard Dixon, director of WWF Scotland said: "It is great to see a product so identifiable with Scotland getting into the 'spirit' of WWF's Earth Hour. Receiving the backing of our national drink will help put Scotland on the global Earth Hour map. We are working hard to make this year's switch off the biggest and best yet and we are encouraging everyone, from large businesses to individuals to take part.

Callum Fraser of Deanston Distillery said: "As a global industry, it is important that we do our bit all year round, not just for one day a year. Deanston has been generating its own hydro electric power source since 1966. The excess is sold back to the National Grid ? enough to power a small village with around 400 homes."

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