Good news for Scotland's food and drink sector

MORAY MSP Richard Lochhead, who is Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs has welcomed the news that the food and drink sector in Scotland has grown by more than £700 million to reach a new high of £11.9 billion turnover.

He has also described as "phenomenal" the news that whisky exports have rocketed by a quarter. Moray is known as the home of whisky.

"Our whisky sector is an international success story and more and more discerning drinkers around the world are enjoying a dram and a little bit of Scotland," he said.

Speaking during Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight, Mr Lochhead said it was fantastic news that Scotland’s food and drink industry has reached an all-time high despite the economic downturn.

"We have already announced record growth figures for the industry as a whole," he said. "It is clear whisky is leading the way with another record year - outstripping all trends and reaching new markets each year."

He added: "Scotland produces some of the greatest food and drink in the world and these figures are a reflection of our wonderful produce."

He said that the manufacturing industry had also contributed to the achievement.