Jamie Greene, local Conservative candidate was given a tour of Arran distillery in Lochranza last week as part of his programme of visits to various businesses on the island. The candidate was on a fact finding mission to learn more about the effect of RET to island business and importance of Arran to tourism, local job creation and exports to the world.
He met with James MacTaggart, distillery manager, for a tour of the production area but also to discuss a number of issues that affect the well-known business.
They discussed RET and the effect it has had on visitor numbers to the site, which reportedly have increased by around a third since its introduction though concern was raised in the meeting that the scheme has not been extended to commercial vehicles. Mr Greene was told that the shipping costs of getting produce on and off the island continues to be a major factor and influence on the operating costs of having a whisky distillery on an island and calls have been made for the Scottish government to seriously consider requests to do more for haulage and businesses shipping to and fro our island communities.
In addition to learning more about the target markets and expansion plans of the business the local Tory candidate was given a frank account of the ins and outs of running a business on Arran.
Commenting on the visit, Mr Greene said that “Arran Whisky is not only a fine product to be proud of (I am looking forward to the 18y/o malt due out this week) but also an important part of the economy of Arran. It continues to grow in capacity, production, employs many local people and is an integral part of ‘brand Arran’ which exports the world over. The Chancellor of the Exchequer last year announced a reduction in excise duty on spirits and I will continue to support this important Scottish industry.
Arran Distillery is heading in a positive direction, I was impressed by the provenance of the product, the passion of the people who work there and its plans to increase production. If elected to the Scottish Parliament in May, I will be a huge proponent of Arran business and local employers can expect to see a lot more of me, doing what I can to facilitate making life easier for them and growing the North Ayrshire and Arran economy. I have also promised Mr MacTaggart that I will hold surgeries on the island if elected.”