Whisky flushed from Dumbarton plant by mistake

THOUSANDS of litres of whisky were accidentally flushed away at the Chivas Brothers bottling plant in Dumbarton, after a cleaning mix-up.

The whisky was mistaken for waste water during a cleaning cycle on a night shift earlier this week. The resulting smell was so strong that it was reported by workers in a nearby sewer.

Chivas Brothers employ over 600 people at the plant, and produce brands such as Ballantine’s, Laphroaig and Glenlivet.

A Chivas Brothers statement said: “There has been no release of spirit to the River Leven or any other local water course. We have informed Scottish Water and all other relevant authorities.”

Scottish Water confirmed that teams were investigating the accidental dumping, and would continue to monitor the plant.

In unrelated news, the head of Chivas Brothers is to swap jobs with the Pernod Ricard Europe chief executive. Christian Porta and Laurent Lacassagne will swap roles in July.