Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, has today welcomed the news that Diageo will invest £150m over three years to transform its Scotch whisky visitor experiences.

The investment, which will be the biggest concerted programme ever seen in Scotland’s whisky tourism sector, will result in all 12 distillery visitor centres being upgraded. Additionally, a state-of-the-art Johnnie Walker visitor experience will be developed in Edinburgh.

Amongst the visitor centres to benefit will be that of Blair Athol, based within Mr Swinney’s constituency.

Commenting, Mr Swinney said:

“This is great news for Blair Athol Distillery and Scottish tourism as a whole. Scotland is the home of whiskey, and Diageo’s investment will ensure that spirit enthusiasts from around the world will continue to flock to our country.

“It is further evidence of the success of the Scottish Government’s tourism policy, with figures showing record growth in this sector. Just last week, the Scottish Government launched Scotland is Now – a campaign which aims to put forward Scotland as a leading destination for tourism and business. Diageo’s investment is proof that Scotland both deserves and can benefit from the bold approach to tourism offered by the SNP.

“I am sure that the people of Perthshire, and Scotland as a whole, will extend a warm hand of friendship to those visiting our shores, and that we will all benefit from this significant investment.”