Holyrood Engagement
With distilleries throughout Scotland we look to ensure that the economic contribution and importance of the industry to Scotland is understood. Highlighting the industry's role and actions that can be taken to sustain and support its growth.
This includes important issues like infrastructure, digital connectivity, environmental protection and tourism.
Cross Party Group (CPG)
The Cross Party Group (CPG) on Scotch Whisky promotes a better understanding of the Scotch Whisky industry to members of the Scottish Parliament. The industry is key to Scotland’s economy through exports, employment and tourism, but also plays an important role in achieving Scotland’s ambitious environmental targets and tackling alcohol misuse.
This group provides the forum to discuss these important issues with MSPs from all parties alongside key people from within the Scotch Whisky industry.
For information on issues relating to Scottish Parliament please contact: Ellie Carrington, Political Engagement Officer
Showcasing the 'Spirit of Scotland'
Speaking at the Scotch Whisky Association's annual showcase in 2024, Spirit of Scotland, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:
"We have this incredible industry that is historic in its importance, international in its significance and, by it's nature, future thinking.
We can achieve a lot together. The government is incredibly supportive of what you will achieve, not just across Scotland but also the world."
Celebrating Scotland's Iconic Scotch Whisky Industry
In April 2024, Ivan McKee's motion S6M-11787 was taken to the chamber in Scottish Parliament. Titled 'Celebrating Scotland's Iconic Scotch Whisky Industry', a number of MSPs took part to highlight the work being done in their constituencies and across Scotland within the sector.
Mairi Gougeon, MSP, visits Scapa Distillery (2022)
Neil Gray, MSP, attends the SWA's annual Spirit of Scotland showcase (2023)
#SupportScotch
Delighted to welcome @ScottishLabour leader @AnasSarwar to @ScotchWhiskyExp today to speak to members of the SWA's Council#ScotchWhisky is central to 'Brand Scotland' - supporting future growth can boost exports and encourage more tourism and inward investment to Scotland 🏴 🥃 pic.twitter.com/Yb6J69iPy6
— Scotch Whisky Association (@ScotchWhiskySWA) September 6, 2024
@ScotchWhiskySWA is a fantastic industry, especially to Rural Scotland. Delighted to be able to attend their recent event in Edinburgh showcasing not just the Whisky but tourism and working with farmers. pic.twitter.com/ZtSwD57Ewi
— Tim Eagle MSP (@TimEagleHI) September 10, 2024
We were delighted to welcome Deputy FM @_KateForbes to speak at our annual Spirit of Scotland event, showcasing our national drink 🥃🏴
— Scotch Whisky Association (@ScotchWhiskySWA) September 4, 2024
"We have this incredible industry that is historic in its importance, international in its significance and, by it's nature, future thinking.… pic.twitter.com/yWdip7igoF
Scottish businesses have been awarded @ScotGov grants to help grow their innovative energy-saving projects.
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) August 13, 2024
First Minister @JohnSwinney visited @ChivasNewsRoom Strathclyde Distillery with @ScotchWhiskySWA to learn how the new funding is helping to reduce carbon emissions. pic.twitter.com/1WiBNuTewt
