Glenfiddich visitor centre closes doors amid coronavirus fears
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TOURISTS are being turned away from one of Speyside's biggest whisky distillery visitor centres amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Distiller William Grant and Sons has taken the decision to close Glenfiddich and the Balvenie visitor centres, at Dufftown, as a precautionary measure against the spread of the virus.
The company said there were no cases of coronavirus at any of its sites and the move was a precaution as the centre attracts people from around the world on a daily basis.
People who had booked tours from Monday this week have been informed by email and text that these have now been cancelled.
The whisky-making operation of the distilleries remains unaffected.
A William Grant and Sons spokesperson said: "We are not aware of any confirmed cases of coronavirus at any William Grant and Sons locations.
"We have taken the precautionary measure to close The Balvenie and Glenfiddich visitor centres in Dufftown as we welcome visitors from all over the world.
"Our visitor centres are closed until further notice, but distilleries remain operational.
"As this is a fast-moving situation, we will not be offering further comment at this time."
A spokesperson for the Scotch Whisky Association said: "In specific circumstances, it may be necessary for industry sites, including visitor centres, to limit public access or close for a period of time.
"Most Scotch Whisky distillery visitor centres are located at the heart of the production process, with public tours having access to still houses, bottling halls and other areas vital to the ongoing production of Scotch whisky.
"As ever, the health and wellbeing of our workforce is paramount."
The closures come just ahead of the Speyside whisky industry's biggest showcase – the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – which is due to run from April 29 to May 4. The festival draws thousands of visitors to the area from around the globe.
