EIR Request - Aberlour Distillery Pipeline

Request 101003866931

Can you please provide me with following information in regard to the destruction of trees, biodiversity and water extraction from the Spey allowing Aberlour distillery to construct a pipeline to extract water from the Spey for whisky production:

•  Species surveys carried out and results of those studies. Mitigations put into place to protect the wildlife within the vicinity.
• SEPA consultation and their report on levels of water extraction from the Spey.
• Were Naturescot  consulted regarding protected species (badgers, red squirrels etc) within the area of the pipeline? If not, why not?
• Amendments to the CAR licence for water extraction and return water to the Spey

Response 07-11-2025

Yes, protected species surveys were undertaken for badgers, squirrels, otters, and other protected species. Associated reports were submitted in support of the application; however, these contain sensitive information that is not in the public domain and therefore cannot be released.

CAR Licence Information: 

Moray Council does not hold Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) licence information. This request should be directed to SEPA, the relevant authority responsible for CAR applications.

Planning Application Documents: The approved planning application drawings, non-sensitive supporting information, Report of Handling, Decision Notice, and subsequent submissions to discharge conditions can be viewed on the Moray Council Planning Application Search page:
https://publicaccess.moray.gov.uk/eplanning/    
Please input the application number 24/00231/APP to access these documents.