YANMAR has revealed how its compact machinery has been playing a key role in peatland restoration efforts in the Scottish Highlands.
Scotland’s peatlands are described as being among the most effective carbon stores on the planet. However, decades of erosion and drainage have left more than 60% of the nation’s peatlands damaged, releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere.
At Achnacarry Estate, restoration efforts are about safeguarding the future. “I’m proud to be part of restoring these ancient peatlands,” said Ewan Kennedy, MD of Stag Infrastructure, a multi-disciplinary firm leading the estate’s restoration. “The work that we’re doing here today will make a difference for my children, their children, and future generations beyond them.”
For Ewan, peatland restoration is about more than just the land; it’s about providing opportunities for the next generation.
“We’re creating full-time employment for young people in the area to hopefully retain them here so they can build their families and their future in this place,” he added. “We’ve been part of running the pilot for peatland restoration training.”
Yanmar said the concept of investing in people’s future embodies the manufacturer’s ‘HANASAKA’ philosophy – the belief in nurturing potential and empowering people to create a better future.
Through mentorship, training, and investment in local skills, Stag Infrastructure aims to help ensure the Highlands remain a place where people can live, work, and contribute to the land for generations to come.
Peatlands are sensitive environments, requiring specialised machinery that can operate efficiently without causing damage. With the help of Chris Knight, owner of Chris Knight Plant Sales and Yanmar’s main agent for Scotland, Ewan chose a Yanmar ViO80 excavator and a C30R-3 tracked carrier, both suited for working in fragile terrain.
“On the peatland sites, minimising hydraulic leaks or diesel spillages is crucial,” Ewan explained. “(The ViO80) has a clean refuelling system – tank-to-tank, eliminating manual diesel transfers that could cause spills.”
The model’s compact design and stability are also said to make it ideal for working on soft ground without disruption to the peat layers.
To further adapt the machine to cope with harsh conditions, Chris Knight worked with Ewan to modify the ViO80, creating a low ground-pressure undercarriage, extended reach, and increased counterweight.
“The reliability of these machines is very important, and the peatlands are well out in the mountains where operator safety is key,” Ewan added. “The guys are working in a safe, clean environment, and Yanmar certainly provides that for us.”
Elsie De Nys, global director of brand & CSR at Yanmar Compact Equipment, said, “From a Yanmar perspective, we truly admire the dedication and vision Ewan brings to this important work. His commitment to sustainability, community, and passing on skills to the next generation are fundamental aspects of our core values and reflect our belief in HANASAKA.
“Just like Ewan, we have always supported the builders in life: those striving to build a better future for their business, their communities, and the world around them.”
