September 2nd 2024.
The Maclean Foundation, a newly established Scottish charity by renowned whisky writer Charlie Maclean, has achieved a remarkable feat within just one year of its inception. Together with his sons Lachlan, Ewan, and Jamie, the foundation has successfully provided clean water for life to 1,847 people in Madagascar.
The idea for the foundation was conceived in August of last year, when the Maclean brothers decided to combine their love for adventure and whisky to raise funds for a noble cause. With their father, Charlie, by their side, they embarked on a mission to build six clean water boreholes in Madagascar. This was a crucial step, as almost 70% of the population in the region lives in poverty, making access to clean water a luxury.
The boreholes built by the Macleans have not only provided a lifetime supply of clean water to nearly 2,000 people, but have also primarily benefitted school children in the area. Prior to the foundation's launch, the brothers had already made headlines by becoming the first siblings to row across any ocean, and the youngest and fastest trio to row across the Atlantic Ocean in January 2020. This extraordinary feat helped them raise over £100,000 for their trusted partner, Feedback Madagascar, which has since built 11 boreholes in Madagascar.
With the addition of the six boreholes funded by the Macleans, the total number of boreholes stands at 17, providing clean water for life to more than 4,800 people, with a seventh one recently built, bringing the total to over 5,000. A significant contribution was also made through the sale of the foundation's first charity whisky, an Ardnamurchan 2017 aged in American oak first-fill barrels, handpicked by Charlie himself. The whisky sold out in a mere six weeks, providing clean water for life to 700 people.
In their efforts to further their impact, the brothers embarked on a challenging journey, running, cycling, and rowing between 120 malt whisky distilleries around Scotland. This helped them kickstart the foundation, and they continue to push their limits by planning to break world records and build more boreholes through the Rare Whisky 101 Pacific Row. The ultimate goal is to become the first team to row non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean, raising over £1 million for charity, which could potentially lift tens of thousands of people out of water poverty. All of this will be achieved in a fibreglass boat that the brothers have helped build themselves.
The idea for the foundation was sparked during a trip to Madagascar in spring 2023, where the brothers witnessed the dire consequences of waterborne diseases firsthand. This experience motivated them to take action and make a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Lachlan, the youngest of the brothers at 26, has even moved from Glasgow to the North of Scotland to train with his brother Jamie for the upcoming Pacific Row.
Reflecting on their journey, Lachlan stated, "In Madagascar, we not only saw but also experienced the devastating impact of waterborne diseases. It was a stark reminder of the privilege we have, growing up in Scotland, where access to clean water is taken for granted. Our goal is to bridge this gap and ensure that everyone has access to this basic necessity."
It costs £6,000 to build and maintain a clean water borehole, which can serve 200 people for up to 100 years. The foundation's partner, Feedback Madagascar, has already drilled and installed over 300 boreholes in the region since 2009. Through the Maclean Foundation's work, they aim to add to this impressive number.
While the brothers continue to focus on their ambitious goal of crossing the Pacific Ocean, their father, Charlie, is dedicated to launching more charity whiskies in the next 12 months. This will not only help raise funds for the foundation but also spread awareness about their cause. To stay updated on their progress, you can read more whisky news and subscribe to Scottish Field, the latest issue of which features their inspiring journey.
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