Event: IWA Scotland Group – Tullich Oban Diageo Technical Day

Date: May 2023

Location: Tullich, Oban, Scotland (Diageo Distillery Site)

Type of CPD: Industry engagement / site‑based technical learning / innovation and environmental monitoring

Duration: Full‑day technical visit and workshop

Summary of the Event

I attended the IWA Scotland Group’s Tullich Oban Diageo Day in May 2023, a technical event hosted at one of Diageo’s key distillery and wastewater treatment sites. The day brought together water professionals, distillery operators, environmental specialists, technology innovators and academic partners to explore the intersection of industrial water management, sustainable production, and advanced monitoring technologies.

The programme included site tours, technical presentations, operational demonstrations and facilitated discussions on water quality, process optimisation, environmental compliance and innovation adoption within the distilling sector.

The event provided a unique opportunity to understand the operational realities of industrial wastewater treatment in a high‑profile global brand environment, and to explore how advanced sensing technologies—particularly real‑time biological monitoring—can support performance, sustainability and regulatory outcomes.

Key Themes Covered

• Industrial wastewater treatment Biological processes, load variability, optimisation strategies and compliance requirements.
• Distillery operations and sustainability Water use efficiency, circularity, energy considerations and environmental stewardship.
• Real‑time monitoring and sensing technologies Biological, chemical and physical sensors for process stability and early‑warning detection.
• Operational excellence and risk management Managing shock loads, protecting biological processes and ensuring consistent effluent quality.
• Innovation pathways in the beverage and distilling sector Pilots, technology adoption, digital tools and cross‑sector collaboration.
• Environmental protection and regulatory expectations Meeting SEPA requirements and supporting long‑term catchment health.