From the Campbeltown Courier 5/9/14 SPRINGBANK DISTILLERS LTD The Scottish whisky industry has nothing to lose and everything to gain from independence. Whisky is an iconic Scottish product which hugely important to our economy. It accounts for a quarter of all UK food and drink exports, earning £135 every second. We must do all we can to support every stage of its production here in Scotland - from our barley farmers through to our whisky producers and I am certain that is best done as a normal nation with the full powers of an independent country. But the referendum is about more than simply the benefits to the whisky industry. Staying in Europe, with a voice to put Scotland’s priorities first, is crucial to our rural economy. The biggest threat to the whisky industry undoubtedly comes from the in-out EU referendum the Westminster government is planning. But that planned EU vote will have far-reaching consequences for our farmers even more so than our distilleries. We have to face the prospect that remaining within the UK could well see Scotland being taken out of Europe, regardless of how our own population feels on the matter. That is a very real issue which could result from a no vote on September 18th. An anti-EU stance from our neighbours down south would, yet again, render Scotland’s voice and wishes irrelevant. If Scotland had been a member state the recent funding formula would have delivered 1 billion extra for Scottish farmers. Instead we are ignored by Westminster, have no voice in Europe and we have the lowest funding for rural development in the whole of Europe. We can do better. Independence offers incredible opportunities for the whisky industry and, indeed, any business which thrives on being a Scottish product, whether a producer or a tourism provider. With a Yes vote we can guarantee farm payments which Better Together have refused to do if Scotland votes No which would be a disaster for our farmers and the knock-on effects from that would be felt by the whole of Kintyre’s population. With independence Scotland can have a seat at the decision making table in the EU. We will have opportunity to grow ‘brand Scotland’ as we boost our international profile on the world stage will be a great benefit in selling our products and helping to bring visitors to our country. Also, with far more effective overseas representation, we can promote our products to the world and tackle barriers to trade that the Westminster Government does not prioritise. With Scotland in the spotlight during the Commonwealth Games sales of Scottish produce soared and visitor numbers rose. Imagine what the opportunities would be for our international profile with the once in a lifetime opportunity of a Yes vote, it wont be easy but weve more than got what it takes. And I can think of no better way to toast our independence than with a dram. Neil Clapperton Managing Director Springbank Distillers Ltd Scotland’s OLDEST Privately Owned Distillery
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 17:32:27 +0000
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