NFU SCOTLAND BACKS DIAGEO INVESTMENT IN SPEYSIDE

NFUS has welcomed the official opening, today (Mon 11 October), of the new Roseisle malt whisky distillery in Speyside. The £40 million distillery, which is the first of this scale to be built in Scotland in over 30 years, is part of a £100 million investment programme in Scotch whisky by Diageo.

The whisky sector in Scotland accounts for over 30 per cent of the Scottish food and drink total turnover of approximately £10 billion and is a vital and thriving part of the wider industry.

Speaking from the distillery Allan Bowie, NFUS Vice-President, said:

“ We don’t often hear the news of a new distillery opening, particularly one of this scale, and so the launch of Diageo’s Roseisle malt whisky distillery in Speyside is particularly welcome.

“Capital investment is always needed in Scotland, and Diageo have really put their money where their mouth is here by investing heavily in the area. The new distillery goes a long way to add weight to their presence in Scotland, and from an agricultural perspective this can only be a good thing.

“Diageo have been at pains to make known their commitment to Scottish farmers and the quality Scottish grain those farmers are known for producing. The investment in the future of Speyside at Roseisle is a clear sign that this commitment is definitely there and set to continue.

“The hope for the future is, of course, that the distillery does well and inspires continued investment in Scotland’s whisky industry”