Preserving tradition, cultivating sustainability: Pioneering peatland restoration at Highland Park distillery
North of Scotland KTP Centre
Innovation through collaboration: facilitating Knowledge Transfer Partnerships in the North of Scotland
In October 2023, we were delighted to find out that the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project between Highland Distillers and the University of the Highlands and Islands ( UHI ) had been awarded. Despite a number of awards in the Highlands and Islands region, this project marks UHI’s first KTP with a company based in Orkney. The project brings together an interdisciplinary team from UHI, with diverse backgrounds in Peatland science, restoration and monitoring (Prof Roxane Andersen), Chemical ecology (Dr Mascha Bischoff), and Marketing and branding (Professor Donna Heddle ).
Highland Distillers Limited, part of Edrington , is a privately-owned international spirits business. Edrington owns the Highland Park Single Malt Whisky brand, distilled near Kirkwall in Orkney, and characterised by its sweet smoky character. This trademark taste comes in part from the use of heather-rich peat, cut on Hobbister Moor close to the distillery, to smoke the malt used in the distillation process.
The Environmental Research Institute , part of UHI North, West and Hebrides , is situated in Thurso, Caithness, within the Highlands of Scotland. Its mission is to address contemporary environmental challenges and advance understanding of the sustainable use of the Earth’s natural resources. Positioned in close proximity to the Pentland Firth and Flow Country, ERI leverages these exceptional natural resources to deliver acclaimed research, education, and training, as well as commercial services, consultancy, and knowledge exchange. The "Peatlands" team within the ERI has more than a decade of experience in the delivery and coordination of applied research across the Flow Country, a globally significant area of peatlands.
The Institute for Northern Studies at UHI holds international acclaim as a leading research, community engagement, and teaching centre. It secured the first position overall in Scotland and jointly topped the UK rankings for Area Studies research impact in REF 2021 and it offers innovative postgraduate programmes in Orkney and Shetland Studies, Highlands and Islands Literature, Scottish Heritage, Viking Studies, and Islands Studies. It has a long history of engagement with businesses and brands such as Highland Park.
The successful KTP will play a big part in Edrington's Sustainability & Responsibility Strategy, helping maintain biodiversity and protecting Hobbister Moor as an RSPB nature reserve.
The KTP is hugely important for the company, and bringing in Graeme Sweenie , Edrington’s Technical Director – Global Supply Chain, as the project’s Local Management Committee (LMC) Chair will ensure visibility across the Edrington business. Marie Gulliver, Highland Park’s Distillery Manager, will be supervising the KTP at the distillery, with additional support from Rikki Gutcher and Karen Campbell.
Everyone on the team is really excited to get started on the KTP project!
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About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
For nearly 50 years, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) have been helping businesses innovate for growth. Funded by UKRI through Innovate UK – the UK’s innovation agency – they connect businesses with academic expertise to bring innovation to life. Right now, around 800 businesses, 100 knowledge bases (universities and other research organisations), and over 800 graduates are part of KTPs – partnerships making a positive impact and driving innovation.
Every KTP is supported by Innovate UK Business Connect ’s Knowledge Transfer Advisers (KTAs) who provide expertise and guidance to all partners at every stage of a project. For businesses based in the North of Scotland or collaborating with one of our partner Knowledge Bases (names), you also have the support of the North of Scotland KTP Centre to guide you through your whole KTP journey.
Finding the right KTP Associate
Every KTP is managed by a KTP Associate – a talented graduate or postgraduate.
Within the next few weeks, the partnership will start the search for their ideal KTP Associate. The successful candidate will join Highland Distillers as a KTP Associate in Peatland Restoration and Management, playing a pivotal role in facilitating the long-term, responsible use of Highland Park distillery’s wholly owned peatland moor, minimising its environmental impact whilst maintaining the consistent character of its whisky. They will be based at the Highland Park distillery in Orkney, with regular visits to the Environmental Research Institute in Thurso.
Please keep an eye on our social media channels and the KTP job site for your chance to be an early applicant to this exciting role!
Ethos Inspection Solutions Ltd.
1 年What a unique project, and a fabulous collaboration ???? UHI