Famous Grouse maker Edrington to close Perth office

WHISKY producer Edrington, behind brands such as The Famous Grouse, is to close its Perth office where more than 100 staff are based.

Edrington chief executive Ian Curle. Picture: David Moir

The firm said the decision to shutter its site in West Kinfauns, where it has 103 workers, comes as it looks to move to a new base in central Glasgow early next year to “enable improved organisational alignment and performance”.

It said this will unite its head office activities, currently split between the Perth site and offices in Glasgow’s Great Western Road, where eight redundancies are planned.

That site will not be closed and currently has 250 staff, with 50 to relocate to the new HQ.

Edrington, which also makes whiskies including The Macallan, Cutty Sark and Highland Park, as well as Brugal rum, has not confirmed a location for the new base, which is expected to accommodate around 130 staff, comprising its executive board, business units, finance, legal, corporate affairs, HR, global operations leadership, and parts of IT.

• READ MORE: Scotch group Edrington reeling after rum struggle

Chief executive Ian Curle said the proposals will help the company compete more effectively in a challenging international premium spirits marketplace.

He said: “Glasgow is where it all started for our founders William Robertson and John Baxter in 1861.

“Bringing together our essential HQ functions in a new central Glasgow location will help us to continue to compete successfully in a tough global market.

“This development will not only secure our position as one of Scotland’s leading businesses, but also help us to continue investing in our premium brands at home and abroad.”

Edrington, which employs about 3,000 people around the world including joint venture staff, said its plans will have “no impact” on any of its six other sites across the country.

It added: “The company’s desire under the proposals is to see as many employees as possible join its new Glasgow HQ and it will work closely with all affected staff throughout the consultation.”

It also said it will continue to provide employment in rural and economically challenged areas, and invest in operations and infrastructure in Scotland for future growth.