Diageo Faces Investigation After Chemical Spill Kills 3,000 Animals
Diageo apologized after a caustic soda spill at its Cardhu Distillery killed thousands of fish and wildlife in Scotland's Knockando Burn.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is investigating a toxic chemical spill at Diageo Plc's Cardhu Distillery that occurred in the spring of 2026. A large quantity of caustic soda, a corrosive cleaning agent, flowed into the Knockando Burn, a tributary of the River Spey, after a valve was reportedly left open.
The spill destroyed a stretch of the waterway between one and two kilometers, killing up to 3,000 creatures, including salmon, trout, eels, and frogs. Duncan Ferguson, director of the Spey Fishery Board, described the event as one of the largest pollution incidents he has witnessed in 36 years, warning that recovery could take years or even decades due to the disruption of the local food chain.
Diageo has apologized for the incident and stated it has updated its internal controls. The company is currently discussing a long-term restoration plan with regulators. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Diageo could face regulatory fines up to £40,000 or potential criminal charges if the case is referred to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
