A little water for your whisky, sir?

The Daily Record for 15 November 2008 reports that a whisky firm is claiming £184 million from Moray Council because a flood prevention scheme will harm its spring water supply.

The claim is being made by Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach Distillery in Forres, on the basis that flood defence work at the Burn of Mosset will have a significant long-term cost for the company in order to protect water quality.  They seek compensation of £184 million, a sum which exceeds the council’s entire annual budget.  Gordon & MacPhail say that “The figure mentioned is a calculation requested by the district valuer and Moray Council, using the district valuer's own formula.”  The council comments that negotiations over the compensation are “at an early stage”.