Drinks giant Diageo has apologised after a chemical spill from one of its Johnnie Walker distilleries damaged a 1.2-mile stretch of Knockando Burn, a tributary of the River Spey in Moray.
Caustic soda entered the waterway in May, with Duncan Ferguson, director of the Spey Fishery Board, describing the incident as one of the worst he had witnessed in 36 years and warning that the affected stretch could take years to recover.
A Diageo spokesman said: “We are sincerely sorry for the damage caused to the local environment and the impact on river users and the wider community.”
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is investigating and could refer the case to prosecutors, while Diageo says it has strengthened environmental controls and is discussing a long-term restoration plan.
A spokesman said: “Once our investigation is complete, we will consider enforcement action appropriate in accordance with Sepa’s enforcement policy and guidance and the legislation available to us.”