The MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross has written to the Prime Minister urging him to prioritise Scotch whisky in trade negotiations with China following the proposed closure of a distillery visitor centre in Sutherland.
Jamie Stone raised the issue after Diageo confirmed plans to close the visitor centre at Clynelish Distillery in Brora.
The announcement came just four years after the visitor centre underwent a multi million pound refurbishment, raising concerns about the impact on local jobs and the wider Highland economy.
Jamie Stone has since met with a representative from Diageo to discuss the reasons behind the closure and the possibility of the centre reopening in the future.
He was told the Scotch whisky industry is facing a difficult period driven by uncertainty around major trade disputes, falling global demand, and rising production costs.
Diageo said these pressures have made it financially unsustainable to keep some visitor centres open in less busy locations, including Brora.
On the issue of job losses, the MP was reassured that efforts are being made to find alternative roles within the company’s distilleries for affected staff.
Against that backdrop, Jamie Stone has written to Keir Starmer ahead of his visit to China, urging him to secure a favourable trade deal that supports Scotch whisky exports.
Commenting, Mr Stone said:
“In a remote part of the UK, such as Sutherland, every job counts.
“In the Highlands, the Scotch Whisky industry is a significant employer and employment is what keeps our country ticking.
“That is why I’ve raised this issue with the Prime Minister ahead of negotiations in China.
“It is about employment and prosperity in the Far North, but it also concerns our country as a whole.”
He said Diageo had offered assurances around staff affected by the closure.
“Diageo have reassured me that they are looking for alternative employment for those that will lose their jobs in Brora and I will be checking in on the progress of this matter.
“My hope is that the visitor centre can re open in the future.
“But for now, a favourable trade deal for the Scotch Whisky industry will be a significant step in the right direction.”
For communities across the Highlands where whisky remains a cornerstone employer, the outcome of international trade talks is being watched closely as pressures continue to mount across the sector.
