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Midlothian Council Supports Secret Garden Distillery's Transition to Greener Practices
The Secret Garden Distillery, a prominent local gin producer, is nearing completion of its plans to achieve Carbon Zero status by 2026 and aims to become Carbon-Negative by 2030. As part of their ambitious carbon-reduction goals, the distillery has undertaken various initiatives, including the establishment of a Midlothian Council-funded borehole at their garden site.
Midlothian Council has been actively assisting local businesses in adopting environmentally friendly practices through the Local Authority COVID Economic Recovery Fund provided by the Scottish Government, with a total investment of £80 million.
Imogen Armstrong, one of the Directors of Secret Garden Distillery, emphasized the significance of water usage in their operations, stating, "We use a substantial amount of water for gin production and maintaining our gardens. The energy consumed by the water industry in the UK contributes up to 6% of carbon emissions. Our objective was to reduce our water footprint, and the borehole provides us with a sustainable and self-sufficient water source utilizing natural resources located beneath the ground."
Although the water source is situated 12 meters below the ground level, the LACER fund from Midlothian Council facilitated the construction of a protective shed for the pumping equipment and the necessary groundwork to connect the borehole to the distillery's garden site. The high quality of the water extracted from the borehole requires a less extensive cleaning and filtration process compared to mains water. Secret Garden Distillery estimates that this shift will result in an annual reduction of 9% in carbon emissions, contributing to its overall sustainability objectives.
Imogen further added, "Now, both our stills and our 7.5-acre garden are supplied with water pumped from this very shed. We may be biased, but we believe it tastes better than Evian! By reducing our carbon footprint, we have not only achieved our environmental goals but also enhanced the flavour of our gin. It's a win-win situation."
To allow visitors to experience the taste difference first-hand, the Secret Garden Distillery Cafe & Bistro, connected to the new water supply, invites individuals to explore the gardens and enjoy their offerings.
Midlothian Council remains committed to supporting local businesses in their transition towards sustainable practices. Through the Local Authority COVID Economic Recovery Fund, the council continues to promote eco-conscious initiatives that contribute to a greener and more resilient economy.
To find out more information about The Secret Garden Distillery, please visit secretgardendistillery.co.uk
ENDS
Photo text: Imogen Armstrong supervised the installation of the borehole at the Secret Garden Distillery.
Higher quality photo in landscape or portrait available on request to kate@secret gardendistillery.co.uk. Imogen is also available for interview by request to same email address.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kate Armstrong
Director
07941015176
kate@secretgardendistillery.co.uk
About Midlothian Council:
Midlothian Council is a local governmental organization dedicated to serving the residents and businesses in Midlothian, Scotland. The council actively promotes economic growth, sustainable development, and community well-being.
About Secret Garden Distillery:
- The Secret Garden Distillery launched in 2017 with the vision of producing home-grown natural products distilled and bottled on-site.
- In 2022, sisters, Imogen and Isobel Armstrong became new owners and directors of the business.
- The business currently produces luxury gins: seasonal editions Summer, and Christmas; Lemon Verbena, Wild, Apothecary Rose and Elderflower & Jasmine.
- The Secret Garden Distillery offers tours and tastings at its Distillery Garden at the foot of the Pentland Hills in Scotland.
- The Secret Garden Distillery is home to 600 varieties of plants that are harvested on-site to be included in the creation of the gins.
- Secret Garden Distillery is a renowned gin producer located in Midlothian, Scotland. Committed to sustainability, the distillery is working towards achieving Carbon Zero status by 2026 and aims to become Carbon-Negative by 2030. They strive to create exceptional spirits while minimizing their environmental impact.
