Scots’ independence could boost whisky sales

Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish National Party, has said that Scottish independence would boost industries such as Scotch whisky due to publicity generated around the approaching referendum.

Amid calls for a “no” votes by members of the Scotch whisky industry, Alex Salmond has said Scottish independence could boost the sector

Speaking to STV News at the new Eden Mill distillery, Salmond, who is ardently campaigning for a “yes” vote in the Scottish independence referendum, said that independence would provide an “opportunity of a lifetime” for Scotland’s food and drink industry.

“Scotland is currently in the international spotlight like never before but the huge boost to Scotland’s global brand generated by a Yes vote – and the transition to independence – will be the opportunity of a lifetime for our food and drink industry to extend their global reach even further,” he told STV News.

“More and more people are waking up to the fact that Scotland has a strong and diverse economy on which we can build a more prosperous future with control of key economic levers.”

Of the Scotch whisky industry in particular, Salmond said members were “politically impartial” but that “there will be times when public policy comes into a disagreement with great industries”.

However, these claims come just one week after prominent members of the Scotch whisky industry, including the CEO of The Macallan producer Edrington, signed an open letter strengthening calls for a “no” vote.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has meanwhile warned of the “potential risks” Scottish independence could pose to the industry.

Salmond added that there would be no changes duty changes to the Scotch industry under an independent Scottish government, but that it still hopes to enforce a minimum pricing policy.

Votes will be cast in the Scottish independence referendum on 18 September.