Ms Roseanna Cunningham MSP has commented on the news that Edrington, owners of the Glenturret Distillery in her constituency, intend to sell the Glenturret brand.
She said:
“While I welcome the assurance given by Edrington that the sale of the Glenturret brand is not expected to involve any redundancies, I cannot see how they can make that pledge on behalf of any future owner and this must be very disconcerting news for the 31 people employed at the Distillery.
“I have no doubt whatsoever that, as the oldest Single Malt Whisky distillery in Scotland, the Glenturret brand will be an attractive prospect for any potential buyer but I am anxious to get more detail and clarity from Edrington about this sale.
“Is the distillery for sale, or just the brand? How does the Famous Grouse Experience fit into the plans for the site? Edrington’s press release refers to it but makes no comment as to its future. The implication is that it adds to the attraction of the Glenturret brand but would a rival distiller be happy giving house room to such a massive promotion of another company’s product?
“These are important and serious questions that Edrington need to address very quickly indeed.”