Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
WHITEFORD HAILS SWIFT PROGRESS ON WHISKY GEO-ORIGIN STATUS
SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford has hailed progress made by local MP Alex Salmond and the Scottish Government trade mission to China in securing Geographic Indication of Origin Status for Scotch Whisky.
The news was particularly welcome as Eilidh Whiteford accompanied by local MSP Stewart Stevenson were visiting the recently-re-opened Glenglassaugh Distillery at Portsoy.
The MSP and SNP candidate met with Managing Director Stuart Nickerson and were given a tour of the distillery.Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford said:
“This is absolutely fantastic news for the Scottish whisky industry and there is no better place to highlight this achievement than at Glenglassaugh Distillery which re-opened last year after being mothballed for 20 years. I was very impressed with what Stuart Nickerson and his team have achieved there and I wish them every success with their plans for the future.
“The whisky sector is a key part of the Banffshire economy both in export, earnings and employment terms, and swift progress on the Geographical Indication of Origin issue will be music to the ears of the industry.
“Securing Geographic Indication of Origin Status has been a vital issue for the industry, and the progress between the Scottish and Chinese Governments presents important commercial opportunities for Scotland."
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson who was also visiting the distillery added:
“More than ever, in these tough economic times, it is crucial that we secure the best trading arrangements for one of our premium products, and to secure such a tremendous outcome in the massive Chinese market could not be better.
“It is no secret that the whisky industry has been dealt a blow from the London Treasury’s chaotic changes to the tax regime over recent years, but the Scottish Government’s success in China is great news for jobs, investment and competitiveness.
“Working in partnership, the Scottish Government, Scotch Whisky Association and Scottish Enterprise have achieved a great deal for the whole of Scotland, and I am sure they will be the toast of the industry.”
