Scottish Enterprise needs outside help to try to save Johnnie Walker jobs

Published on Monday 13 July 2009 22:00

SCOTTISH Enterprise is poised to take on outside help as part of efforts to save hundreds of whisky industry jobs.

The economic development agency said a decision will be made today to appoint consultants to carry out an independent review of Diageo's closure proposals.

The drinks firm has announced plans to shut its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow, putting 900 jobs at risk.

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said the consultants move formed part of discussions held with Scottish Enterprise chairman Crawford Gillies.

Mr Murphy said: "Scottish Enterprise's role in persuading Diageo is crucial – and they and their external consultants need to formulate a compelling and comprehensive case to be put to Diageo as soon as is practicable."

Diageo bosses are "convinced" their plan to close the Johnnie Walker bottling plant is best for the long-term future of the brand.

A Scottish Enterprise spokesman confirmed outside help would be hired. "Regarding the appointment of an external consultant to carry out the independent review of Diageo's business proposals, we can confirm that we are expecting to receive a number of briefs by lunchtime tomorrow and a decision will follow by the end of the day," the spokesman said.

The move comes as Scottish finance secretary John Swinney prepares to hold cross-party talks tonight aimed at fighting Diageo's proposals.

He will meet senior figures from Scottish Enterprise, local councils, trade unions, and MPs and MSPs, to discuss what can be done to try to reverse the closure plans. He stressed all those involved were "working flat-out".