from BBC News website:
Drinks giant Diageo will seriously consider alternative proposals to halt the loss of 900 whisky jobs in Scotland, the first minister has said.The company plans to close the Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow.
But, following a meeting with its chief executive, Alex Salmond said the firm was willing to listen to alternatives.
It was with utter dismay that we heard of Diageo’s decision this morning. On 3 September, day 65 of the 90-day consultation, the Cabinet Secretary presented our alternative business proposals to Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock to Diageo. Today, on day 71, Diageo have confirmed their decision. Did they really give our proposals due consideration in only four working days?
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.
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.
In the Media
First Minister says Diageo willing to listen
Discussion
One comment for “First Minister says Diageo willing to listen”
© 2009 Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock. 
We are far too soft in this country in letting companies from outside Scotland take over our best assets. Look at what happened to our textiles here in the Borders where I live. “Pringle of Scotland” made in China, most famous names now gone and a whole raft of textile and electronic jobs gone overseas. In Norway anyone wanting to take over a local company have to live in Norway. Here we let them in and waltz off with our reputation . . . and jobs.
Diago, which used to be Guinness until their chairman was jailed for fraud, should not be allowed to move jobs away and should know better anyway. Bell’s used to be the biggest selling Scotch Whisky until it was moved from Perth to Sussex and is now buoycotted in most of the Scottish trade. If Johnnie Walker stops being made in Kilmarnock and bottled in Kilmarnock it should not be classed as Scotch Whisky nor should any whisky which is not made and packaged in Scotland. Chase Diago and bring all Scotch Whisky back under Scottish ownership!