Top level talks have been held to soften the blow of job losses at one of Scotland’s most famous whisky producers.
Edrington, the owners of the iconic Famous Grouse brand, sent shockwaves through the industry when it announced last week it will close its Perth operation at West Kinfauns.
The company plans to move to a new headquarters in central Glasgow in early 2017.
A total of 13 of the 103 Perth workforce will be made redundant, while others will be offered a transfer to the new base.
Company bosses agreed to meet Perth and Kinross Council leader Ian Miller and chief executive Bernadette Malone to discuss the impact of their decision.
The region is still reeling from the loss of the landmark McEwens of Perth department store, which went into administration last month.
A City Plan document – outlining a series of ambitions to improve the region over the next 20 years – is being reviewed after McEwens’ announcement.
Mr Miller said it was a positive meeting and Edrington gave assurances that it would continue to support and expand the local economy.
“We welcomed this opportunity to meet with senior executives from Edrington and their commitment to ongoing dialogue and partnership working with the council,” he said.
“The City Plan sets out an ambitious vision and with our partners on the City Development Board we remain committed to ensuring Perth continues to be a great place to start and grow businesses.”
Announcing the closure of the West Kinfauns operation, chief executive Ian Curle said the move to Glasgow would help the business “continue to compete successfully in a tough global market”.
He said that the aim was to capitalise on “what we see as positive long-term prospects from the industry.”
Mr Curle said the changes would not impact on the production side of the business.
“This development will not only secure our position as one of Scotland’s leading businesses, but also help us to continue investing in our premium brands at home and abroad, which in turn contributes to the on-going success of Scotch whisky, Scottish exports and the Scottish economy.”
There will be no impact on the company’s other six sites across the country.
Meanwhile, Perthshire firms have been invited to a business summit in the city’s Royal George Hotel on Thursday from 6pm.
The talks were arranged by the local Conservatives group in direct response to the imminent closure of McEwens.
