The closure of one of Perthshire’s biggest tourist hubs would be a blow “equivalent to nearly 2,500” jobs being lost in Glasgow.
Drinks giant Edrington last month revealed plans to close the hugely popular Famous Grouse Experience visitor centre at Crieff’s Glenturret Distillery.
Edrington hopes to protect jobs by finding a buyer to use the site as a distillery and visitor centre for Glenturret malt.
While hopes are high that a buyer will be found, a Perthshire politician has stressed just how important the site and the 31 jobs there are to the local economy.
Since the announcement of Edrington’s plans, interested parties have been in touch, with no further movement.
MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, Roseanna Cunningham, is certain the distillery will be an attractive prospect for buyers, but says the risk of losing that number of jobs is massive for the area.
She said: “31 jobs may seem like a small number, but in comparative terms, 31 jobs in Crieff is equivalent to nearly 200 in Perth, or over 2,500 in Glasgow.
“Glenturret is a very strong brand. As the oldest malt whisky distillery in Scotland, I am certain it will be an attractive prospect for any investor.
“But I want to ensure that everything possible is being done to retain jobs in Crieff.
“My particular and immediate concern is not so much in relation to the future of the distillery itself – which I am certain is secure – but in ensuring that the facility continues to bring visitors into the area.
“I have written to Tom Flanagan, interim head of economic development at Perth & Kinross Council, asking what input his department can have in ensuring that this magnet tourist attraction continues to make its very important contribution to the local economy.
“I have also received communication from John Laurie, the general manager at Glenturret, who was very positive and upbeat about the future.
“It is now even clearer to me than before that the Glenturret brand will be very attractive to potential buyers.”
