Stone stands up for Scotch Whisky 

Jamie Stone, MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, has tabled a parliamentary motion calling for the protection of the Scottish Single Malt Whisky category in light of a bid made by the English Whisky Guild for geographical indication.

Research by the Scotch Whisky Association reveals that global export figures show the value of Scotch exports topped £5.6bn in 2023, by exporting 1.35bn 70cl bottles of Scotch Whisky, equating to 43 per second. This makes Scotch whisky one of the UK’s greatest exports by value, with a renowned reputation worldwide.

This reputation comes from the unique production process which includes mashing, fermenting, distilling and maturing malted barley grain in a single distillery.

The English Whisky Guild’s application requests the recognition of a category of English Single Malt which has not been mashed, fermented, distilled and matured in only one single distillery. Thus, altering the traditional definition of what it means for whisky to be classified as Single Malt.

This has given rise to concerns that this application - should it be successful - would devalue the single malt market and damage the valuable reputation which Scotch Whisky has gained over centuries.

Commenting, Mr Stone said:

“Having been brought up on a small farm right next door to the great Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain, this issue is rather personal.  

“For all my life, the fame and status of a Scottish Single Malt Whisky has brought pride to Scotland, revenue to the UK and high-quality jobs to remote parts of the Highlands.

“The English Whisky Guild’s Geographical Indication threatens all of this. Of course, a market for English Whisky exists, but this market should not encroach on the famous Scotch Single Malt.

“I will not stand by idly whilst our reputation and brand - which has taken centuries to cultivate - is co-opted by English manufacturers. I will do my utmost to protect and preserve it at all costs.

“Could you imagine Champagne producers in France allowing us to grow a fizzy wine in Scotland and then stick the Champagne label on it? I think not.

“Let us Scots take note from the French and stand up for what is rightly ours.”