We do recognise that a decision has been taken, but we believe that the decision taken is a wrong one. Our supporters obviously agree, as our campaign has demonstrated, with more than 100,000 people signing our petition, support flooding in from around the globe, 15,000 people have written personally to Paul Walsh and almost half a million people have written to Diageo shareholders.
Johnnie Walker is synonymous with Kilmarnock and the brand has been associated with the town since 1820. It is recognised in every corner of the world as the leading brand name for Scotch whisky, and generations of local families have shown tremendous commitment and loyalty to the company over the past two hundred years. Now they will witness the very heart and soul being ripped out of their community.
Today we find ourselves in a position where we must move forward and try to secure the best possible outcome for Johnnie Walker employees and the town of Kilmarnock.
The Cabinet Secretary has convened a meeting of the Task Force on Monday and we will present a package of proposals designed to support the growth of new jobs in Kilmarnock. We want to secure Scottish Government support for the town and our attention will now turn to developing an action plan which will seek to create 700 sustainable jobs for Kilmarnock.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council said: “I welcome the continued commitment from Cabinet Secretary John Swinney, and as he himself stated, he will work unstintingly with partners to mitigate the serious impacts and assist the people and communities affected by Diageo’s decision-making.”
Councillor Maureen McKay, Leader of Main Labour Opposition said: “It is hard to describe the true extent of our feelings today. However, we remain resolute as we turn our attention to securing a positive future for the town, by applying the same energy, enthusiasm and strength as witnessed throughout the campaign.”
Councillor Tom Cook, Leader of Conservative Opposition said: “We are truly disappointed at today’s outcome, which will undoubtedly have a devastating effect of the town and the wider local community. We must now look towards the future as we prepare to work with the Scottish Government on plans to help secure 700 sustainable jobs for the town.”
We are proud of what this campaign has achieved. The facts speak for themselves.
Throughout the 71 days of this campaign we gained the support of the entire local community; local businesses, residents, workers, trades union representatives, Kilmarnock Football Club and politicians from all parties have united to keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock. People have given their all in support of this campaign and we could have asked for nothing more.
Campaign Admin
Breaking news. Diageo REJECT revised business case.
Breaking News -Diageo reject the revised business plan.
From the BBC:
A business case was submitted to the firm last week for keeping its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock and Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow.
But Diageo said the proposals did not “provide a sound basis” to “build and develop a sustainable business”.
More from the BBC webiste.
SEE [...]
Diageo under Paul Walsh questioned over UK tax avoidance
From The Sunday Times on August 30th:
Diageo, the drinks giant whose plans to axe 900 jobs at its Kilmarnock plant and Port Dundas whisky distillery have provoked widespread condemnation, has been branded socially irresponsible by a leading business thinker.
William Hopper, author of The Puritan Gift: Reclaiming the American Dream Amidst Global Financial Chaos, said: [...]
A video message from Johnnie himself – a wee bit rude.
From Diageo website:
“Being socially responsible and investing in Diageo’s communities is at the heart of what it means to be a good corporate citizen. In Scotland, Diageo focuses its efforts where its impacts are greatest and where we can make the most difference.”
The response from our poet, Rab Wilson, mouthed by Johnnie himself:
A reworking of a Diageo Johnnie Walker ad
Diageo made a series of JW videos promoting the history of the brand. Here is one someone has reworked.
In whitehall now
In Whitehall just now, fans from across the world queuing for photo opportunities. My iconic brand even better known than I thought. Stridin man
Diageo Financial Results Webcast
Diageo will be announcing their financial results tomorrow morning, Thursday 27 August, at 7am. A live question and answer session will be held with Paul Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of Diageo. If you have a question for Mr Walsh, and we are sure that you will, please contact 0800 2799640. The link below will take [...]
Important day…new proposition
Important day for my campaign… John Swinney to take proposition for new plant on greenfield site in Kilmarnock to Diageo…and Paul says he will consider proposals. Really stridin now! Stridin man.
Videos
click the Videos heading to see our videos
Our Youtube Channel
Stridin' Forrit Read by Johnnie Walker
Stridin' Forrit Read by Johnnie [...]
East Ayrshire Council to present alternative plan
from the BBC website:
A business plan to save the Diageo plant in Kilmarnock from closure is to be handed to the Scottish Government by East Ayrshire Council.The council’s case will be presented to Finance Secretary John Swinney. It is the latest stage of a multi-agency cross-party campaign to save the town’s bottling plant and [...]
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