Whisky worth £4bn to Scottish economy

Published: 01 June, 2010

Scotch whisky is worth £4 billion to the Scottish economy, according to a report for the Scotch Whisky Association by Verso Economics.

The export value of Scotch has grown by 42% to £3.1 billion since in the last 10 years.

The report says that Scotch whisky producers spend £1.1 billion on supplies produced in Scotland, an increase of 61% since 2000. Some £200 million of this is spent on cereals.

It claims that the industry productivity of £262,000 per employee is six times the Scottish average and that the economic impact of the whisky industry is 12 times more per head than in tourism.

SWA chief executive Gavin Hewitt said: "The study confirms Scotch whisky is a cornerstone of the Scottish economy, supporting 5,000 jobs and generating around £4 billion in added value."

He called on the government to put in place an alcohol taxation system "where all alcohol is taxed according to content".

He added: "With the right support, the Scotch whisky industry can deliver even more to communities across Scotland."

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