Behind the Scenes at Associated British Ports, Peacock and Blackthorn Salt

During this behind the scenes event, you will get 3 different tours. You will get behind this scenes tours of Associated British ports, Peacock Salt and Blackthorn Salt.

Associated British Posts

Associated British Ports (ABP) is the UK-s leading ports group, with 21 ports handling a quarter of the UK-s seaborne trade worth -150bn+ to the UK economy and supporting 215,000 jobs across the UK. We are also a significant player in providing infrastructure for green energy. ABP is committed to sustainability across all of our ports and we have set challenging targets for net zero port operations by 2040 - a process that is well underway.

The Port of Ayr handles over 340,000 tonnes of cargo per year, ranging from salt import for the local councils as well as Peacock, to wheat and malt for Grants Distillery and timber logs for the chipboard factory at Egger Barony in Ochiltree. Together with its sister Port of Troon, Ayr contributes -42m to the UK economy annually. We employ 24 people directly at the port, with far more jobs among businesses located on the port and in wider supply chains. Locally, we are doing our part to achieve our sustainability target and have installed solar arrays across port buildings alongside energy efficient lighting.

Blackthorn

At Blackthorn, we use centuries of tradition combined with the knowledge of today to create natural sustainable organically approved salt crystals for your table. Each crystal comes from pure seawater, gathered locally and magically evaporated on the world-s only working Thorn Tower.

The Thorn Tower sustainably harnesses coastal winds to dry off the seawater by 90%. Then, in the Pan House, our Salters patiently ensure that the crystals capture a balance of other elements too - such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and the bark tannins - which work uniquely alongside the saltiness to have an incredible impact upon the taste.

Peacock Salt

Starting life as an independent shipping merchants in Glasgow in 1874, today Peacock Salt are the largest salt supplier and distributor in the UK. Still run by the 5th generation of the same family, the business supplies over 100 salts for more than 14,000 known uses. These range from winter de-icing and water softening, to food, cosmetic and aquaculture - although the possibilities are endless. After 150 years there-s still plenty to know about salt, from sourcing and production to distribution and application - Peacock Salt do things a little differently.

Please note that this event is for Chamber members only. Places are limited so don-t delay in securing your place.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact events@ayrshire-chamber.org