Martin Docherty-Hughes, MP for West Dunbartonshire, is to launch a bid to secure a debate in the House of Commons on the impact of ‘whisky black’ – a fungus believed to blacken the exterior of properties located in close proximity to whisky bonds.
It follows concerns raised to the MP by residents across Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven about property exteriors – including homes, garden furniture and vehicles – being affected by the black fungus material.
In a survey of West Dunbartonshire residents conducted by Martin Docherty-Hughes MP, a majority (85 per cent) of respondents said that their property had been affected by the fungus which is notoriously difficult to clean off.
Hundreds of local households responded to the survey, with residents citing various concerns about ‘whisky black’ including potential damage to property, expensive cleaning costs and questions over its impact on health.
SNP MP Martin Docherty-Hughes said he will raise concerns directly with local distilleries and hopes to secure a parliamentary debate on the issue in the House of Commons in the coming weeks.
Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“It’s been evident for a number of years now that properties located close to whisky maturation sites are being affected by a stubborn black fungus material.
“This isn’t a problem unique to West Dunbartonshire, but the feedback I’ve received from my constituents clearly shows that ‘whisky black’ is causing a nuisance for many households in parts of Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven.
“85 per cent of respondents to my survey said that their property is being negatively impacted, with many voicing concerns about the unsightly fungus which is notoriously difficult to remove from walls, vehicles and brickwork.
“I will be raising concerns directly with the management of local distilleries in the coming weeks. I also hope to secure a parliamentary debate to seek clarity on the issue of ‘whisky black’ from the UK government and other bodies.
“Local residents are understandably frustrated by these ongoing difficulties and I’m determined to do all I can to help find a solution. Anyone living in West Dunbartonshire who’d like to be kept updated on the progress of my enquiries can contact my office on martin.docherty.mp@parliament.uk or 0141 952 2988.”
