Local businesses move closer towards net zero with share of the Island Communities Fund

Iain Stephen Morrison

North Uist Distillery and MacLean’s Bakery are among 29 enterprises from 23 islands to have been awarded grants of up to £150,000 from the Island Communities Fund.

North Uist Distillery secured £49,000, while MacLean’s Bakery was awarded £110,000 to facilitate ‘green transport’ across the Outer Hebrides.

“We have an overarching vision to get the business to carbon neutral status, with a few initiatives underway to achieve this aim,” explained Jonny Ingledew, one of the owners of North Uist Distillery.

“With the funding secured we are going to purchase an electric van and install charge points, which will also be available to the public, at Nunton Steadings. We have also swapped our heaters for more efficient alternatives and are planning to install an air source pump to heat Nunton Steadings.

“Since we launched our packaging has been plastic free and we are set to start using bottles that are made up of 40 percent less glass in 2022. We donate our botanicals for use in compost and, once we start producing whisky using local grain, our plan is to offer draff to crofters, which is nice and circular. We also have our refillery so customers can refill their bottles for a lower cost.

“Coming from the islands and with a close connection to the natural environment, we can see the effects of global warming. It is right from a social and environmental standpoint that we approach our business in this manner.”