Coronavirus in Moray: Lochhead calls for distilleries to 'step down' production
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MORAY'S MSP has called on distilleries to "step down" their production to counter the spread of coronavirus.
Richard Lochhead was speaking in a live discussion which he held on his Facebook site from 7pm last night.
He fielded several questions from local people asking why Moray's distilleries were still operating, given the need for social distancing, and the fact that whisky is not an "essential" item.
Mr Lochhead replied that he had been in discussions with both Diageo and Pernod Ricard over the issue.
He said: "A lot of people in Moray have brought their concerns to me over the last two weeks about why the distilleries are still continuing to produce malt whisky.
"Many of the distilleries have wound down their production. Some are actually closed at the moment.
"However, I have been contacted by employees concerned about their own welfare.
"They are also concerned because they may have loved ones who are in a vulnerable position.
"They are wondering why they are going to work when it doesn't appear to be essential."
Mr Lochhead confirmed that the food and drink sector had been allowed to continue production because it has been deemed an essential industry.
Pernod Ricard, he stated, had written to him this week to state it had reduced production by 50 per cent.
He added that he had been given assurances that social distancing measures had been put in place.
Mr Lochhead continued: "They are arguing that they are essential industries because they come under food and drink.
"And also that they are delivering other benefits through bi-products for agriculture and renewable energy and so on.
"I think there's more room for further step downs from the local whisky industry here because people are very anxious who are working for these companies.
"And it's not just the distillers, it's all the supply chain and auxiliary sectors who have to keep open because they feel obliged – they will lose their contracts if they don't continue to supply their services to the Diageos and Pernod Ricards."
Mr Lochhead added there were discussions scheduled between the Scottish Government and the whisky industry this week, and that these concerns would be relayed.
