Local Government and Communities Directorate Planning and Architecture Division
T: 0131-244-0237 E: [email protected]
Email to Heads Of Planning
___ 3 March 2020
COMMERCIAL PEAT EXTRACTION SITES IN SCOTLAND
You may recall that in my letter of 6 November 2019 I indicated that I would be writing to you again to seek your assistance on improving our understanding around commercial peat extraction in Scotland
The Scottish Government recognises the important role peatlands play in responding to the global climate emergency and its ability to lock away carbon. This information request stems from the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government commitment to seek to phase out the use of horticultural peat, and we wish to gain an overall picture of the scale of commercial peat extraction in Scotland at this time. Specifically, we wish to understand the current volume of peat extraction and timescales around when planning permission is due to expire.
I appreciate that information pertaining to planning consent for commercial peat extraction is likely to, in certain cases, date back quite some time. Nevertheless, I would be grateful for your support in completing a short survey, as far as possible, for each site within your planning authority.
Based on information from BRITPITS, produced by British Geological Survey, we have identified sites across Scotland related to peat extraction along with what we understand to be the current status of those sites. (See Annex A).
For those authorities with sites identified in Annex A, I would be grateful if you could complete the survey in Annex B for each relevant site. In addition, if you are aware of any other peat extraction sites in your area, that are not listed, you are asked to complete the survey for each of these sites too.
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
If there are no sites listed for your authority, you are asked to email, using the email address below, to confirm there are no commercial peat extraction sites within your area.
If you have any questions relating to this request or want to make a completed return please email William Carlin or call on 0131 244 5094 to discuss. I would be grateful if this information could be returned by 15 April 2020.
Yours sincerely
Chief Planner
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Annex A
Aberdeen
Pit name Alternative Pit Mineral Address Operator PA status St Fergus Moss Peat - A Peat PETERHEAD, Individual's name ABD Workings Aberdeenshire withheld Middlemuir Moss - C Peat New Pitsligo, FRASERBURGH, Individual's name ABD Aberdeenshire withheld New Pitsligo Moss Tillinamolt C Peat New Pitsligo, FRASERBURGH, Individual's name ABD Moss Aberdeenshire withheld Greenloch Moss Middlemuir C Peat New Pitsligo, FRASERBURGH, Individual's name ABD Moss Aberdeenshire withheld Rora Moss - C Peat PETERHEAD, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire Red Moss Peat - C Peat Potterton, ABERDEEN, Unknown Operator ABD Cuttings Aberdeenshire
Lambhill Moss - C Peat New Pitsligo, FRASERBURGH, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire Rack Moss Peat C Peat HUNTLY, Aberdeenshire Unknown Operator ABD Diggings Green Mire Peat - C Peat HUNTLY, Unknown Operator ABD Diggings Aberdeenshire
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Moss of Wardhouse - C Peat Kennethmont, INSCH, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire Malsach Moss - C Peat Kennethmont, INSCH, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire Moss of Leithhall - C Peat Kennethmont, INSCH, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire Moss of Rothmaise - C Peat Tocher, Rothienorman, Unknown Operator ABD INVERURIE, Aberdeenshire Moss of Minnonie - C Peat Barthol Chapel, OLDMELDRUM, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire Leet Moss - C Peat Barthol Chapel, OLDMELDRUM, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire Earnhill Moss - C Peat New Deer, MAUD, Aberdeenshire Unknown Operator ABD
Peeledegg Moss - C Peat New Deer, MAUD, Aberdeenshire Unknown Operator ABD
Myre of Bedlam - C Peat New Deer, MAUD, Aberdeenshire Unknown Operator ABD
Auchmadillie Moss - C Peat New Deer, MAUD, Aberdeenshire Unknown Operator ABD
Moss of Belnagoak - C Peat New Deer, MAUD, Aberdeenshire Unknown Operator ABD
Moss of Macterry - C Peat Tifty, Fyvie, TURRIFF, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Mid Moss - C Peat Lethenty, Fyvie, TURRIFF, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire Moss of Blackhillock - C Peat Cottown, Fyvie, TURRIFF, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire Moss of Windyhill - C Peat Woodhead, Fyvie, TURRIFF, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire New Merdrum Peat - C Peat Rhynie, HUNTLY, Aberdeenshire Unknown Operator ABD Workings Moss of Kirkhill - C Peat Kennethmont, HUNTLY, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire Lauchintilly Moss - C Peat Craigearn, KINTORE, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire Firley Moss - C Peat Leylodge, KINTORE, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire Garrack Moss Garrick C Peat Garlogie, SKENE, Aberdeenshire Unknown Operator ABD Moss Hill of Corfiedly Peat - C Peat Hill of Fare, BANCHORY, Unknown Operator ABD Workings Aberdeenshire Moss of Fishrie - C Peat New Byth, TURRIFF, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire Hill of Snowy Slack - C Peat Kildrummy, ALFORD, Unknown Operator ABD Peat Workings Aberdeenshire Clashnarae Hill Peat - C Peat Kildrummy, ALFORD, Unknown Operator ABD Workings Aberdeenshire
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Glenlaff Hill Peat - C Peat Kildrummy, ALFORD, Unknown Operator ABD Workings Aberdeenshire Badenshore Moss - C Peat Glenkindie, STRATHDON, Unknown Operator ABD Aberdeenshire Cranbog Moss - C Peat Rhynie, HUNTLY, Aberdeenshire Unknown Operator ABD
Argyle and Bute
Laggan Moss - - A Peat Bowmore, ISLAY, Argyll and Bute Beam Suntory UK Ltd. AGB Site 1 Peat Workings Laggan Moss - - A Peat Bowmore, ISLAY, Argyll and Bute Beam Suntory UK Ltd. AGB Site 2 Peat Workings Castle Hill Peat - A Peat ISLE OF ISLAY, Argyllshire Diageo Global Supply AGB Moss Peat Workings Ballygroggan - A Peat MACRIHANISH, Argyllshire Individual's name AGB Farm Moss withheld
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Highland
Causeymire Bylbster Moss A Peat Watten, WICK, Caithness-shire Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings Braehour Peat - A Peat HALKIRK, Caithness-shire Unknown Operator HLD Workings Meallmore - A Peat Meallmore, Moy, INVERNESS, Individual's name HLD Moss Peat Inverness-shire withheld Workings
Bogbain - A Peat INVERNESS, Inverness-shire Individual's name HLD Heather Farm withheld Peat Workings Westerdale - I Peat Westerdale, Watten, WICK, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings Caithness-shire Camster Peat - C Peat LYBSTER, Caithness-shire Individual's name HLD Workings withheld Loch Garten Pit - C Peat Nethy Bridge, GRANTOWN-ON- Unknown Operator HLD SPEY, Inverness-shire
Sgriob Ruadh - C Peat Dalwhinnie, NEWTONMORE, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings Inverness-shire
Bruthach Druim - C Peat Dalwhinnie, NEWTONMORE, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings Inverness-shire
Dalwhinnie - C Peat Dalwhinnie, NEWTONMORE, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings Inverness-shire
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Dava Peat - C Peat Dava, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, Unknown Operator HLD Workings Morayshire
Lochnellan Peat - C Peat Dava, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, Unknown Operator HLD Workings Morayshire
Aultnamain - C Peat Edderton, TAIN, Ross-shire Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings
Causeymire - C Peat Westerdale, Watten, WICK, Unknown Operator HLD Moss Caithness-shire
Causeymire - C Peat Westerdale, Watten, WICK, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings Caithness-shire
Westerdale - C Peat Westerdale, Watten, WICK, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings Caithness-shire
Corpach Moss - C Peat Caol, FORT WILLIAM, Inverness- Unknown Operator HLD shire
Rear of Birch Corpach Moss C Peat Caol, FORT WILLIAM, Inverness- Unknown Operator HLD Road Peat shire Workings Ardgour Road Corpach Moss C Peat Caol, FORT WILLIAM, Inverness- Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings shire
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Corpach Moss, - C Peat Caol, FORT WILLIAM, Inverness- Unknown Operator HLD West Side shire
Borgue Peat - C Peat Borgue, WICK, Caithness-shire Unknown Operator HLD Workings Glen Common - C Peat Claigan, DUNVEGAN, Isle of Unknown Operator HLD Grazings Peat Skye Workings Kentra Moss - C Peat ACHARACLE, Argyllshire Unknown Operator HLD
Portree Bog - C Peat PORTREE, Isle of Skye Unknown Operator HLD
Craggie Farm - C Peat FORSINARD, Sutherland Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings Ardshealach - C Peat ACHARACLE, Argyllshire Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings Bealach Clach - C Peat ACHARACLE, Argyllshire Unknown Operator HLD an Aighe Peat Workings Slickly Peat - C Peat Slickly, THURSO, Caithness- Unknown Operator HLD Workings shire Wathegar Peat - C Peat Thuster, WICK, Caithness-shire Unknown Operator HLD Workings Scouthal Moss - C Peat Watten, WICK, Caithness-shire Unknown Operator HLD Peat Diggings
Bad and Fheidh - C Peat Strath, Watten, WICK, Caithness- Unknown Operator HLD Peat Diggings shire
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Hill of - C Peat Strath, Watten, WICK, Caithness- Unknown Operator HLD Achalibster shire Peat Diggings Lochmore Peat - C Peat Westerdale, Halkirk, THURSO, Unknown Operator HLD Workings Caithness-shire
Loch Stemster - C Peat Achavanich, LYBSTER, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings Caithness-shire
Stonehobbie - C Peat Achow, LYBSTER, Caithness- Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings shire
Blood Moss - C Peat Achow, LYBSTER, Caithness- Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings shire
Ord Peat - C Peat DUNBEATH, Caithness-shire Unknown Operator HLD Workings Drumhollistan - C Peat REAY, Caithness-shire Unknown Operator HLD Moss Peat Workings Moine House - C Peat A'Mhoine, TONGUE, Sutherland Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings
Achfary Peat - C Peat Achfary, LAXFORD BRIDGE, Unknown Operator HLD Workings Sutherland
Dalvina Lodge - C Peat Strath Naver, BETTYHILL, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Cuttings Sutherland
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Rimsdale Peat - C Peat Badanloch Forest, KINBRACE, Unknown Operator HLD Workings Sutherland
Duartmore Peat - C Peat Duartmore Forest, Unknown Operator HLD Workings KYLESTROME, Sutherland
Cnoc Dubh - C Peat Borrobol Forest, KINBRACE, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Working Sutherland
Eldrable Hill - C Peat Gartymore, HELMSDALE, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings Sutherland
Creag a'Choire - C Peat Gartymore, HELMSDALE, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Workings Sutherland
Culgower Hill - C Peat Culgower, HELMSDALE, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Cuttings Sutherland
Allt an Skiag Peat C Peat Skiag Bridge, LOCHINVER, Unknown Operator HLD Sgiathaig Peat Workings Sutherland Workings Dalphaid Peat - C Peat Glen Cassley, LAIRG, Sutherland Unknown Operator HLD Cuttings
A' Chrasg Peat - C Peat Strath of Kildonan, HELMSDALE, Unknown Operator HLD Cuttings Sutherland
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Badenahauglish - C Peat BRORA, Sutherland Unknown Operator HLD Peat Cuttings Farlary Peat - C Peat Farlary, ROGART, Sutherland Unknown Operator HLD Diggings
The Ord Peat - C Peat The Ord, LAIRG, Sutherland Unknown Operator HLD Diggings Gruids Peat - C Peat Gruids, LAIRG, Sutherland Unknown Operator HLD Digings Rogart Peat - C Peat ROGART, Sutherland Unknown Operator HLD Cuttings Leathad - C Peat Ospisdale, DORNOCH, Unknown Operator HLD Suileach Peat Sutherland Diggings Achosnich Peat - C Peat Rearquhar, DORNOCH, Unknown Operator HLD Diggings Sutherland
Loch - C Peat Rearquhar, DORNOCH, Unknown Operator HLD Lansaichte Peat Sutherland Diggings Lon Dornaich - C Peat Rearquhar, DORNOCH, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Diggings Sutherland
Rhearquhar - C Peat Rearquhar, DORNOCH, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Diggings Sutherland
Alltan Dubh - C Peat Strath Charnaig, BONAR Unknown Operator HLD Peat Cuttings BRIDGE, Sutherland
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Salachaidh - C Peat Sleastary, BONAR BRIDGE, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Cuttings Sutherland
Sleasdairidh - C Peat Sleastary, BONAR BRIDGE, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Cuttings Sutherland
Alltan Dubh - C Peat Strath Charnaig, BONAR Unknown Operator HLD Peat Cuttings BRIDGE, Sutherland
Achuil Peat - C Peat Airdens, BONAR BRIDGE, Unknown Operator HLD Diggings Sutherland
Campbelton - C Peat Airdens, BONAR BRIDGE, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Diggings Sutherland
Achuil Peat - C Peat Airdens, BONAR BRIDGE, Unknown Operator HLD Diggings Sutherland
Creag na Faire - C Peat Migdale, BONAR BRIDGE, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Cuttings Sutherland
Blar Lon - C Peat Migdale, BONAR BRIDGE, Unknown Operator HLD Lochan a' Sutherland Ghobhair Peat Cuttings Creag na Faire - C Peat Migdale, BONAR BRIDGE, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Cuttings Sutherland
Loch Dubh Peat - C Peat Migdale, BONAR BRIDGE, Unknown Operator HLD Cuttings Sutherland
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Creag na Faire - C Peat Migdale, BONAR BRIDGE, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Cuttings Sutherland
Blar Lon - C Peat Migdale, BONAR BRIDGE, Unknown Operator HLD Lochan a' Sutherland Ghobhair Peat Cuttings Creag na Faire - C Peat Migdale, BONAR BRIDGE, Unknown Operator HLD Peat Cuttings Sutherland
Lochan a' - C Peat Migdale, BONAR BRIDGE, Unknown Operator HLD Ghobhair Peat Sutherland Cuttings
Moray
Feith Geal Peat Feith Musach C Peat Knockandhu, TOMINTOUL, Individual's name MRY Workings Peat Workings Banffshire withheld
Tom Cruinn - C Peat Glenlivet, CHARLESTOWN OF Unknown Operator MRY Peat Workings ABERLOUR, Moray
Shenval Moss - C Peat Shenval, GLENLIVET, Moray Unknown Operator MRY
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Orkney
Hobbister Moor - A Peat KIRKWALL, Orkney Highland Distillers Ltd. ORK Peat Workings
Shetland
Culter Field - I Peat Culter Field, CUNNINGSBURGH, Individual's name SET Peat Workings Shetland withheld Scatsta Moss - C Peat SCATSA, Shetland Individual's name SET withheld Gremista Peat - C Peat Gremista, LERWICK, Shetland Peterson Peat SET Workings Products
Gremista Peat - C Peat Gremista, LERWICK, Shetland Peterson Peat SET Workings Products
Gremista Peat - C Peat Gremista, LERWICK, Shetland Peterson Peat SET Workings Products
Ulsta Peat - C Peat Ulsta, YELL, Shetland Unknown Operator SET workings Hillend Peat - C Peat Hillend, Mid Yell, YELL, Shetland Unknown Operator SET Workings
Hill of Lusseter - C Peat Mid Yell, YELL, Shetland Unknown Operator SET Peat Workings Midisi Peat - C Peat Mid Yell, YELL, Shetland Unknown Operator SET Workings Basta Peat - C Peat Basta, YELL, Shetland Unknown Operator SET Workings
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Western Isles
Lundale Peat - A Peat Lundal, Linshader, UIG, Isle of Unknown Operator WIS Diggings Lewis
Loch Speireag - A Peat Linshader, UIG, Isle of Lewis Unknown Operator WIS Peat Diggings
Loch Sgaire - A Peat Linshader, UIG, Isle of Lewis Unknown Operator WIS Peat Diggings
Loch an Eilean - A Peat Acha Mor, STORNOWAY, Isle of Unknown Operator WIS Peat Diggings Lewis
Gleann Tolsta - C Peat Gleann Tholastaidh, Unknown Operator WIS Peat Diggings TOLASTADH BHO THUATH, Isle of Lewis
Druim na - C Peat Gleann Mor Shiaboist, New Unknown Operator WIS Caorach Peat Shabost, SIABOST, Isle of Lewis Diggings
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Creag an - C Peat South Shawbost, SIABOST, Isle Unknown Operator WIS Fheidh Peat of Lewis Diggings
Creag an - C Peat South Shawbost, SIABOST, Isle Unknown Operator WIS Fheidh Peat of Lewis Diggings
Creed Peat - C Peat Tar STORNOWAY, Isle of Lewis Lews Chemical Works WIS Diggings Lundale Peat - C Peat Lundal, Linshader, UIG, Isle of Unknown Operator WIS Diggings Lewis
Loch Speireag - C Peat Linshader, UIG, Isle of Lewis Unknown Operator WIS Peat Diggings Loch Sgaire - C Peat Linshader, UIG, Isle of Lewis Unknown Operator WIS Peat Diggings Loch an Eilean - C Peat Acha Mor, STORNOWAY, Isle of Unknown Operator WIS Peat Diggings Lewis
Beinn a' Bhuna - C Peat Acha Mor, STORNOWAY, Isle of Unknown Operator WIS Peat Diggings Lewis
Limervay Peat - C Peat Leumrabhagh, LOCHS, Isle of Unknown Operator WIS Diggings Lewis
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Falkirk
Letham Moss - A Peat Letham, FALKIRK, Stirlingshire Evergreen Garden FAL Peat Workings Care Ltd.
Gardrum Moss - C Peat California, Shieldhill, FALKIRK, William Sinclair FAL Stirlingshire Horticulture Ltd
Midlothian
Auchencorth - C Peat Nine Mile Burn, PENICUIK, William Sinclair MLN Moss Peat Midlothian Horticulture Ltd Workings Springfield - C Peat PENICUIK, Midlothian William Sinclair MLN Moss Peat Horticulture Ltd Workings Whim Moss - C Peat PENICUIK, Midlothian William Sinclair SCB Peat Workings Horticulture Ltd
North Lanarkshire
Fannyside Muir - C Peat CUMBERNAULD, The Scotts Company NLK Dunbartonshire (UK) Ltd.
Drumbreck - C Peat Longriggend, CALDERCRUIX, William Sinclair NLK Moss Peat Lanarkshire Horticulture Ltd Workings
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Drumbow Moss - C Peat Longriggend, CALDERCRUIX, William Sinclair NLK Peat Workings Lanarkshire Horticulture Ltd
Drumbreck - C Peat Longriggend, CALDERCRUIX, William Sinclair NLK Moss Peat Lanarkshire Horticulture Ltd Workings
South Lanarkshire
Hillhouse Farm Douglas Water A Peat Sandilands, LANARK, ICL Nutberry Moss SLK Peat Site Moor Lanarkshire Works Woodend Farm Carnwath Moss A Peat Carnwath, CARNWATH, Evergreen Garden SLK Peat Site Lanarkshire Care Ltd. Woolfords Moss - C Peat Forth, LANARK, Lanarkshire Individual's name SLK withheld
Black Gate Blackgate Moss, C Peat CARNWATH, Lanarkshire The Scotts Company SLK Moss Carnwath (UK) Ltd. Ryeflat Moss - C Peat Carstairs, LANARK, Lanarkshire William Sinclair SLK Peat Workings Horticulture Ltd Sandilands - C Peat Sandilands, LANARK, The Scotts Company SLK Peat Works Lanarkshire (UK) Ltd.
Cladance Moss - C Peat EAST KILBRIDE, Lanarkshire William Sinclair SLK Peat Workings Horticulture Ltd
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
West Lothian
Crosswoodhill - C Peat WEST CALDER, West Lothian Individual's name WLN Farm Moss withheld
Westerhillhouse - C Peat ARMADALE, West Lothian Individual's name WLN Farm Peat withheld Workings Midland Moss - C Peat Easter Inch Moss, Blackburn, Unknown Operator WLN Litter Works BATHGATE, West Lothian
Briestonhill - C Peat Polbeth, LIVINGSTON, West Unknown Operator WLN Moss Lothian
Peatmoss Litter - C Peat The Moss, Blackburn, Unknown Operator WLN Works BATHGATE, West Lothian
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
South Ayrshire
Shewalton - C Peat Shewalton, IRVINE, Ayrshire Unknown Operator SAY Moss Litter Works
Dumfries and Galloway
Nutberry Moss - A Peat ANNAN, Dumfriesshire ICL Nutberry Moss DGY Peat Workings Works Creca Moss - A Peat Kirtlebridge, GRETNA, ICL Nutberry Moss DGY Peat Workings Dumfriesshire Works
Barwinnock - C Peat NEWTON STEWART, Barwinnock Peat DGY Farm Peat Wigtownshire Company Workings Lochwood - C Peat ANNANDALE, Dumfries and The Scotts Company DGY Moss Galloway (UK) Ltd.
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Annex B
COMMERCIAL PEAT EXTRACTION QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of site:______
Status (e.g. active, closed, dormant):______
If the site is dormant, when was peat extraction last undertaken ?: ______
If the closed has restoration commenced or been completed ?: ______
Volume of extraction (Annual): ______
Scale of site (area): ______
Location: ______
Do you hold information on / are you aware of the end use? If so please specify i.e. horticulture, whisky industry, fuel source:
______
Operator of the site: ______
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot
Date on which planning consent was granted: ______
Date planning consent is expected to expire: ______
What are the restoration requirements for the site, if any: ______
Has a ROMP been undertaken. (If yes please give a brief outline of any updates to operating conditions, if No please outline when one is expected to be undertaken):
______
Any other relenat information you may want to include: ______
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.gov.scot