Islay sitzt auf dem Trockenen

Die Whisky Produktion auf Islay droht ins Stocken zu geraten, da der Treibstoff-Nachschub aufgrund der schlechten Wetterlage der letzten Wochen zum Erliegen gekommen ist. Stürmische Winde und starker Regen haben die Tankschiffe davon abgehalten, ihre Fracht im neuen Hafen der Insel zu löschen. Gestern wurde gemeldet, dass auch den letzten beiden Destillerien nach drei Wochen schlechtem Wetter der „Sprit“ ausgegangen sei. Eine Notiz auf der Website von Bruichladdich bestätigt, das sie seit Donnerstag auf dem Trockenen sitzen.

DISTILLERIES RUN DRY AS GALES HIT OIL DELIVERY

Whisky production in Islay is in danger of grinding to a halt after horrendous weather prevented industrial fuel deliveries to the island.

Gale-force winds and heavy rain meant a tanker could not unload its cargo at the island’s new harbour last month.

And it was reported yesterday that at least two Islay distilleries had run out of fuel after three weeks of terrible weather.

A notice on the website for Bruichladdich confirms its oil ran out on Thursday.

The distillery blamed the new Argyll and Bute Council-built Bruichladdich pier for the problems, but oil supplier Shell blamed delivery problems on the weather.

The oil shipment was due at the island more than two weeks ago. The tanker waited four days, but weather conditions meant it was unsafe to unload.

It is understood that emergency supplies of fuel are being transported to the island by CalMac ferry but that is an expensive stop-gap.

A strongly worded statement on the Bruichladdich website said: „Although Argyll and Bute claim the pier is indeed suitable, this situation never occurred before the pier was renovated – even though the same tanker was in use.

„It would appear that to avoid the risk of pulling the new pier apart, the tankers are only able to unload in totally calm weather conditions – which of course are rare in winter.“

Argyll and Bute Council could not be contacted yesterday.

It was reported yesterday that Bowmore distillery had also run out of fuel but no one at the firm was available to comment yesterday.

(Press & Journal)