Budget talk at distillery visit

The revision of duty on Scotch whisky would have a massive effect on the North East industry, a local MP has said.

HMRC figures reveal sales fell by one million bottles in the first half of this year, which it tied to the 4% increase on duty in Chancellor Philip Hammond’s March Budget.

Conservative MP Kirstene Hair visited Glencadam Distillery in Brechin, where she told workers her Scottish colleagues in Westminster are working to protect a crucial sector.

She said: “Angus once had a booming malt whisky industry, with names such as Lochside and Hillside at Montrose, North Port and Glencadam in Brechin and Glencoull near Tannadice all produced locally.

“Only Glencadam survives and its success is an example of Scotland leading the world in a traditional industry.

“However the overall picture could be better as a number of factors are creating challenges for the sector, such as a rise in overseas competition.”

Ms Hair added: “A number of Scottish MPS have asked the Chancellor whether this month’s Budget will reflect the great benefit a cut in duty would have on production and sales.

“Scotch is Britain’s biggest food-and-drink export by far, supporting 40,000 jobs.

“The malt business has a substantial impact on agriculture and any improvement in conditions will have a massive effect on the national economy.”