LOCAL INDUSTRY
Whisky A world-famous whisky company was a major employer in Ayrshire for 200 years
The whisky brand Johnnie Walker originated in Kilmarnock in the 19th century, and the spirit was bottled, packaged and distilled here until 2012, when owners Diageo closed the plant in Hill Street. Documents from the firm’s history are on display in the Dick Institute. You can also take a virtual tour of the Diageo archive in Glenochil House, Menstrie, which holds collections relating to Johnnie Walker: www.diageo.com/en/our-business/the-archive.