DIAGEO PLAN "GOOD FOR KILMARNOCK AND GOOD FOR GLASGOW"

SUPPORT FOR PORT DUNDAS WELCOMED - KILMARNOCK MSP PRAISES CO-OPERATIVE EFFORTS

SNP MSPS Bob Doris and Willie Coffey have given further reaction to the Diageo taskforce's proposal to save jobs across Scotland.

The inclusion of Port Dundas distillery in the alternative business proposal has been welcomed by Glasgow MSP Bob Doris who chaired a meeting of trade unions, Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow council to ensure a future for Port Dundas was included in the proposals.

SNP MSP for Kilmarnock Willie Coffey has today praised the efforts of all involved in producing the plan.The proposals will now be put to Diageo.

Mr Doris said;

"I am pleased that the proposal agreed by Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government and both local authorities includes plans to retain production at Port Dundas.

"The Finance Secretary has been clear from the start that this was about securing as many Diageo jobs in Scotland as possible and the support he has shown for Port Dundas is a real boost to this campaign."

Willie Coffey, the Kilmarnock MSP added;

"The next few weeks will be crucial in this fight and it is essential that across the country and across parties we retain the united front that has demonstrated so clearly to Diageo that the public are opposed to this plan.

"In particular the support of the work force across Diageo has been tremendous.

"Along side the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, East Ayrshire Council have worked hard and all have played a blinder in producing a plan that can keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock - if Diageo will accept this proposal.

"This plan is good for Kilmarnock and Glasgow, good for Diageo and will be good for the whole of Scotland."