20 Jan 2003
A vibrant industry that generates £800 million of income in Scotland and supports over 41,000 Scottish jobs - that was how Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell summed up the value of the 'national drink' to the nation's economy.
Speaking in Glasgow at the launch ofa study produced by economic consultants DTZ Pieda for The Scotch Whisky Association, the Scottish Secretary praised the industry's key contribution to both the Scottish and UK economies saying:
"Scotch Whisky's global reach provides the world with a small taste of what Scotland has to offer. With over one billion bottles destined for 200 markets worldwide in 2001 it is a success which should not be taken for granted.
"For each of the last nine years, the industry has contributed over £2 billion to the balance of trade making it one of the UK's top five manufacturing export earners. Today's report shows that the success of Scotch Whisky as an export ambassador abroad continues to be crucial to the health of the economy at home and the well being of thousands of jobs.
"Today's difficult global trading conditions are well documented. However, this report confirms the Scotch Whisky industry as an internationally competitive home-grown industry.
"This Government has created the right environment for success, providing a stable economy that helps all our industries. This is reflected in recent figures that show claimant count unemployment in Scotland stands at its lowest level for 27 years. Today's report represents good news for Scotland, and I raise a dram to that success."
NOTE FOR NEWS EDITORS
Copies of the report can be obtained from the Scotch Whisky Association on 0131 222 9200.