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Chivas Brothers launches new sustainability partnership to give back to the rivers that help make its Scotch

The Scotch whisky producer announces its partnership with three River Trusts to improve the health of rivers and waterways in Scotland

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of Pernod Ricard and maker of global Scotch whisky brands including The Glenlivet and Aberlour, today unveils a new, long-term programme to preserve, protect and improve the health of some of Scotland’s iconic rivers and waterways.

The partnership, called ‘The River Within’, is a collaboration between Chivas Brothers and The Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust, Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust, and the Spey Catchment Initiative. Chivas Brothers’ investment will help protect and restore the select waterways within the Trusts’ combined catchment areas in North-East Scotland – a total of 5,566 km2[1], some of which flows through Chivas Brothers-owned land – by focusing on enhancing biodiversity, limiting rises to water temperature from climate change and strengthening the longer-term resilience of the rivers.

This partnership is important not just for Scotland’s natural landscapes, but also its heritage industries. Currently 34%[2] of Scotland’s rivers are in compromised ecological health, meaning by the end of this century as a result of climate change, they could face three times as many droughts and up to 40% more flooding, threatening the diversity of life in and around the waterways.[3] Yet waterways are a vital source of life for Scotland’s rich wildlife, as well as a key component and ingredient of whisky making, which depends on the health of the nation’s rivers, banks, burns and springs.

Julie Gallacher, Head of Sustainability & Responsibility at Chivas Brothers, said: Scotland’s waterways are the lifeblood of whisky production, so while we use this precious resource responsibly, returning 96% of what we use to its source, we like to think there’s a ‘river within’ each bottle. Many of our distilleries are built on the banks of treasured Scottish rivers and it’s from these waters that our renowned whiskies are endowed with their unique spirit, essence and even their names.

“Just as we rely on the rivers, the rivers rely on us. The art of whisky making is a delicate balance, so too is the Scottish landscape in which we craft it. That is why we are proud to launch this partnership with the three River Trusts to protect and build a resilient network of Scottish rivers and riverbanks that support biodiversity for generations to come​.”

Richard Miller, Director at The Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust, commented:

“Many of the species Scotland is known for and their habitats are currently facing unprecedented challenges. One of these is the Atlantic Salmon which was recently reclassified by the IUCN from ‘least concern’ to ‘endangered’ in Great Britain.

“We are delighted to be a partner in ‘The River Within’ programme which will provide essential resources to ensure Deveron fish stocks have free access to cold, clean, water. This will be achieved by removing obstacles to fish passage, creation of 3D buffer strips along field margins, riparian planting, fish refuge creation and habitat restoration. We very much look forward to working with Chivas Brothers on this new and exciting project.”

Bob Laughton, Director at Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust, commented:

“We are delighted to welcome this new partnership with Chivas Brothers, and the support it will provide towards our nature recovery ambitions for our river catchments. The aims of ‘The River Within’ are closely aligned with the work on our new flagship project, the Findhorn Watershed Initiative. Chivas Brothers’ support will ensure riparian woodland and river restoration schemes that are currently in development are resourced, helping them to be turned into reality and delivered on the ground.

“We have been impressed by the leadership being demonstrated by Chivas Brothers and Pernod Ricard in committing significant investment to support the health and resilience of our rivers and look forward to working with them over the years to come.”

Roger Knight, Chief Executive at the Spey Catchment Initiative, commented:

“Spey Catchment Initiative are delighted to join forces with Chivas Brothers in this groundbreaking partnership, ‘The River Within’. This collaboration marks a significant step towards safeguarding and enhancing the vitality of the Spey catchment’s rivers and waterways, which are not only crucial for our native wildlife but also for the communities that live alongside them and industries that thrive because of them.

“Through this exciting partnership, we are poised to implement targeted projects that will not only address immediate concerns, such as biodiversity enhancement and climate change mitigation, but also ensure the long-term resilience and health of our rivers.”

A range of specific waterway projects are currently being developed in close partnership with the three River Trusts, to commence later this year. These will focus on direct activity along riverbanks and waterways designed to help increase biodiversity and overall health of the river ecosystem. This in turn will help limit the rise of water temperatures, restore floodplain resilience and increase river security. For example, simple practical interventions such as planting new trees along rivers can provide additional shade that helps limit river temperature rises and strengthen riverbanks.

Water stewardship is a critical part of Chivas Brothers’ vision to shape the future of sustainable Scotch. In line with its commitment to preserving and restoring water resources, the company continually monitors water consumption and implements new solutions such as water-cooling technology throughout its operations to prevent waste.

To learn more about the threats facing our waterways, please visit [www.chivasbrothers.com/theriverwithin].


[1] Total size of catchment areas (km2): Deveron 1266 km2, Findhorn 1,300 km2, Spey 3,000 km2

[2] Source:The James Hutton Institute / European Environment Agency 2023

[3] Source:Met Office, 2019 and SEPA, 2021

Join us in celebrating the incredible Mrs. Clementina “Tiny” Morison, who reeled in the largest fly-caught salmon in the UK from the Deveron a century ago. Let’s honor her legacy and contribute to a night of charity, good company, and preserving our angling heritage – this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Tickets/Tables now available:

• Drinks reception Including welcome drink
• Two course meal & Malt Whisky
• Toast to Mrs. Clementina “Tiny” Morison and her 61 lbs Salmon
• Charitable auction
• Carriages

£35 (inc vat) per ticket; £350 (inc vat) per table of 10. Dress code: Semi-formal. Tickets/Tables now available.

Contact admin@deveron.org or phone 01466 711 388 to book.

The evening is proudly sponsored by BOWLTS Chartered Surveyors.
Whisky kindly provided by Bacardi.

All proceeds raised will go to the work of the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust (SC032131).

100th Anniversary – The UK Record Fly Caught Salmon, 61 lbs

The River Deveron District Salmon Fishery Board (RDevDSFB) and The Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust (DBIT) are delighted to announce the opening of the Deveron salmon season in association with The Deveron Single Malt Whisky (Bacardi).

The Morison Trophy and The McConnell Major Contribution Award will be presented at the opening ceremony on the 12th of February (10am) at Turriff Angling Association lodge and the opening ceremony will follow thereafter.

Special guest, Mr. John Beattie will officially open the salmon season with a dram of Deveron whisky from Macduff distillery. John is a former Scotland rugby international and toured twice with the British Lions to South Africa and New Zealand. More recently John hosted the very popular BBC Drivetime radio show and is a presenter on BBC Scotland’s news programme The Nine.

Mr Andrew MacGarvie, winner of the Morison Trophy for 2023 will make the first cast of the season. Mr MacGarvie secured the trophy by landing a 28lbs salmon from Upper Netherdale. Thanks goes to Henderson’s Country Sports (Turriff) for sponsoring the salmon rod that will be presented to Andrew for carefully releasing the winning salmon.

Richie Miller, River Director said “This is a very special year for everyone associated with our beautiful river. This season will mark the 100th anniversary of Mrs Clementina “Tiny” Morison landing the UK record fly caught salmon from the Deveron at Mountblairy. The opening ceremony is the first of several events and projects to honour and celebrate Mrs Morison and her extraordinary record. We are very much looking forward to the season ahead and we are delighted to have John join us to open the salmon season. I wish all our angler’s tight lines for the season ahead”.

SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 1980: John Beattie of the Lions pictured during the British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa in 1980. (Photo by Adrian Murrell/Getty Images)

Role: Project Deveron Catchment Restoration Manager

Location: Huntly, Aberdeenshire, AB54 7YY

Application Closing Date: Sunday 28th January 2024

Interview Date: Friday 2nd February 2024

The Role

Working in partnership, the Atlantic Salmon Trust and Deveron, Bogie & Isla Rivers Charitable Trust are looking to deliver a watershed-wide project to restore nature in the Deveron catchment. The river and its iconic species, such as wild Atlantic salmon, are now under threat from both the Biodiversity Loss and Climate Change crises, and we need to act now to restore its natural processes in order to build the resilience it requires in order to overcome present and future threats.

The Atlantic Salmon Trust are looking for a dynamic individual to join their team to work with landowners, funders, agencies and local stakeholders and businesses to deliver the changes required at scale and at pace to ensure that the catchment has cold, clean water and vibrant habitats.

View or download the full job specification by clicking below.

Vacancies – The Atlantic Salmon Trust

To launch the project, the short film Cold, Clean Water follows actors Jim Murray and Dominic West (of Netflix show The Crown) as they head off the beaten track to journey through the Deveron catchment in an INEOS Grenadier, meeting with the minds leading the project and delving into the extensive measures being planned, combining both landscape-scale habitat restoration and cutting-edge environmental monitoring techniques.

Film by Byron Pace.

With thanks to INEOS Grenadier, Avochie Estate and Deveronside Fishings for their support in the making of this short film.

Deveron Angling Code For Salmon & Trout 2024

Your Board remains extremely concerned over fragile levels of fish stocks in the river and in particular spring salmon and sea trout. Please see Angling Code below:

DEVERON ANGLING CODE FOR SALMON & TROUT 2024