DUMBARTON’s MP is to quiz local people on the impact “whisky black” is having on their households and properties.

Martin Docherty-Hughes is responding to a plea from the Dumbarton East and Central Community Council, which met this week.

The problem is believed to stem from the evaporation of whisky while it is maturing in its casks, with the vapours released into the atmosphere near warehouses.

Mr Docherty-Hughes said: “Reports of black fungus affecting households near to whisky distilleries and maturation sites have been evident for a number of years now.

“The problems caused by ‘whisky black’ appear to affect houses, cars, and external property – and the resulting black mould is notoriously difficult to clean.

“This blight isn’t an issue unique to West Dunbartonshire; however, local residents are understandably frustrated by a lack of progress in getting the issue resolved.

“I will be sending out a survey to local households in order to gauge the extent of the problem and better understand how it is impacting residents.”

Stuart MacDonald, who lives in Otago Place, near the Chivas maturation site at the east end of Dumbarton, told the community council: “The whisky fungus is affecting 1,500 homes in West Dunbartonshire, coming from the distilleries at Chivas Regal and Loch Lomond.”

Mr MacDonald, 60, and his family have lived in their house for 20 years and first noticed the problem about four years after they moved in.

Mr MacDonald went on: “It doesn’t only affect the brickwork, it also covers garden fences and requires regular power washing. It is actually sweet smelling, but causes a horrible black sticky effect and is also a concern for trees..

“There are currently cases being taken through the courts, one in Kentucky in the United States and the other in Broxburn, West Lothian. The outcomes of these cases will be crucial in our plight.”

Mr McDonald found widespread support from community councillors at the meeting and from local councillors David McBride and Brian Walker, who were also present.

Councillor McBride said: “It is something which must cause a lot of stress to residents and I am delighted Martin Docherty-Hughes will be carrying out this survey.”

A spokeswoman for Chivas said the firm is committed to maintaining the “highest possible” environmental standards, but that naturally-occurring microflora are not confined to areas where whisky is produced.