Heriot-Watt alumni power Arbikie Distillery to rare B Corp status
Heriot-Watt graduates have been instrumental in helping Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery achieve coveted B Corp™ certification, a mark of its world-leading commitment to sustainable spirits.
Founded by the Stirling brothers – Iain, John and David – Arbikie has built a distinctive ‘field-to-bottle’ ethos on Scotland’s east coast. Among the team are Heriot-Watt alumni including Director Ian Stirling, Master Distiller Dr Kirsty Black and Distiller Christian Pérez, who together have embedded sustainability at every stage, from creating climate-positive spirits to pioneering green hydrogen energy.
Arbikie created the world’s first climate-positive spirits, Nàdar Gin and Vodka, made from peas. It is also on track to become the first distillery continuously powered by green hydrogen, setting a new benchmark for low-carbon distilling. Achieving B Corp™ certification now places Arbikie within a global movement of businesses balancing profit and purpose, protecting the environment, supporting local communities and operating transparently.
“Sustainability has never been a marketing slogan for Arbikie – it’s at the heart of who we are,” said Director Iain Stirling,. “Becoming a B Corp, producing the world’s first carbon-negative gin and vodka, and transitioning to green hydrogen energy are not separate projects, but part of a single vision: to prove that world-class spirits and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.”
Dr Kirsty Black added: “Becoming B Corp certified is a proud moment for our team and reflects our deep commitment to sustainability, community and crafting spirits with purpose. It’s an honour to stand alongside other businesses driving positive change across Scotland and beyond.”
Arbikie and Heriot-Watt have collaborated for several years on projects exploring heritage barley, climate-positive whisky and other sustainable innovations in distilling. The distillery’s success reflects the university’s commitment to working with industry to tackle global challenges and accelerate change.
Heriot-Watt University is proud to see its alumni leading this transformation. The University is developing a new Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling to nurture the next generation of innovators and equip them with the skills to push the boundaries of sustainable practice.
Learn more about Heriot-Watt’s ambition to create the Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling.