Scotch Whisky and tariffs
The whisky industry has been in the news with the First Minister travelling to Washington to speak to the US President about tariffs on whisky and bourbon casks from Kentucky. Today Gordon Macdonald MSP has asked a General Question for answer in The Scottish Parliament just before First Minister’s Questions.
The Edinburgh Pentlands MSP is Co-Convenor of the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Scotch Whisky in The Scottish Parliament. The group was set up with this purpose: “The main purpose of the Cross Party Group on Scotch Whisky is to promote a better understanding of the Scotch Whisky industry to members of the Scottish Parliament. The industry plays a key role in Scotland with regard to the economy, exports, jobs, tourism, the environment and tackling alcohol misuse. This group will provide the forum to discuss these important issues with MSPs from all parties alongside key people from within the Scotch Whisky industry.”
The group will meet before the end of this month – but the minutes of its last meeting are published here when it heard about the Scotch Whisky Tourism Strategy, and also listened to a presentation about robotics in the whisky industry by Amanda Burke of Diageo.
The First Minister was careful to explain in a press conference in Edinburgh on Wednesday what he had set out to do. Mr Swinney said: “It is now less than a week to go before the President of the United States will arrive in the United Kingdom for the State Visit.
“That means we are, right now, in the critical days when decisions will be made and deals finalised in relation to the UK-US trade deal.
“And those decisions will affect jobs, growth and prosperity here in Scotland and across the United Kingdom.
“The negotiations are, of course, being conducted by the United Kingdom Government. But Scotland has significant interests, not least in the Whisky industry.
“It became clear when President Trump visited Scotland in July that, amongst the many issues being considered in the trade deal, the tariff on Whisky was not on his radar.
“That changed during the course of that visit.
“Thanks to the conversations, I got the issue on the agenda and made it one of the two to three key sectors that were the focus of ongoing negotiations.
“While it was encouraging to get it onto the agenda, we certainly did not get a deal over the line.
“Since then, there has been work behind the scenes, undertaken by both the Scottish Government and the United Kingdom Government.
“And with a few days just to go before the State Visit, my sense of where things stood was that there was a chance – but only a chance – that a better deal on Whisky was possible.
“I therefore decided on Saturday to travel to Washington D.C. myself to try to make more progress.
“The invitation that we then received from President Trump to meet him personally meant that we had an opportunity to make the case to the person on the American side who could, in the end, make the decision and do the deal.
“I did not go to negotiate. That is for the United Kingdom Government to do. And we certainly were not going armed with just special pleading and sentiment.
“No, we went to make the case to America that there was a deal possible that was better for Scotland and, crucially, better for the United States too. A win-win.
“We spent 50 minutes yesterday in the Oval Office with the President and with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“It was a good meeting; a very serious and a very substantial conversation.
“We set out our case, set out the chance we believe exists for a better deal that benefits America and Scotland.
“And President Trump listened carefully to Scotland’s case.
“But, I want to be very clear, we did not conclude a deal. That work rests with the United Kingdom Government.
“I have worked hard to create a platform for the UK Government to negotiate and deliver on Scotch Whisky.
“A better deal for Whisky was not previously on the agenda – and it now very much is.
“But the ball is firmly in the UK Government’s court.
“They must press on with the detailed negotiations and try to get a deal over the line.
“That said, I have to be realistic about our chances of getting this deal.
“US policy is pro-tariffs. The President believes in tariffs.
“So, nothing here is going to be easy. It never was.
“But I think – and I hope – there is now a real chance of a better deal.
“We’ve done the best we can to put this possibility in front of US decision makers – including the ultimate US decision maker.
“I think we have made progress for Scotland this week in the trip to the United States.
“My visit to Washington also included an excellent and informative meeting with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, alongside the Scotch Whisky Association. This underlined to me the common cause that the two industries face and how we can hopefully secure a win-win outcome.
“I also met with key members of Congress on Capitol Hill to help promote the case for a better tariff deal for Whisky.
“And, given the opportunity to speak with the President, I thought it was important to raise the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the attack yesterday in Qatar, and the progress for peace in the Middle East – an issue which is of such huge concern to the people that I serve in Scotland.
“In all my engagements yesterday, with everyone I met, I was given a warm welcome – and it is clear that Scotland is close to the hearts of many of America’s top lawmakers and business people. In my view, that is something that we should not only cherish, but we should also nurture.
“Of course, that affection for Scotland extends to the very top of the United States Government – something President Trump made clear to me when I met him during the summer.
“He told me at that stage that if he could be of help to Scotland I should let him know.
“Well, I am glad that this week I took the opportunity to follow up on the President’s offer.”
Commenting after joining the First Minister in Washington DC to press for the removal of tariffs on Scotch Whisky, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association Mark Kent said:
“Our discussions in Washington DC give the industry hope, and with President Trump’s state visit just a week away there is momentum to build on as we try to secure a deal which would benefit communities in Scotland and US.
“Nothing is guaranteed, but the First Minister’s constructive discussion with the President, coupled with the continued efforts of the UK government, mean that the united calls of the Scotch Whisky and US whiskey industries to secure a zero tariff deal have been heard.”
Transport and Environment Committee meets today
Edinburgh Living Streets (ELS) respond to the Transport and Environment Committee about obtaining updated data on “high pedestrian flow streets”. This was a request for information about the streets where the council would increase the minimum clear width to 3 metres or more in future.
The request dates from September 2024. ELS in its written deputation laments the length of time the council officers have taken to report back on this matter – (which was supposed to be reported on by December 2024, but is only now coming back to the committee a year later).
Part of the issue is minimum width of pavements where tables and chairs permits are granted – and a separate part of the request from last year deals with clutter on the pavements caused by retail displays.
There was a clear ban on clutter on pavements introduced by the council in 2018. On 17 May 2018, the Transport and Environment Committee approved a citywide ban on all temporary on-street advertising structures, such as advertising boards, also known as ‘A’ boards – primarily to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility.
The ban came into force on Monday 5 November 2018 and is said to be relaxed only at election time when A boards are allowed outside polling stations. But it is clear that this is being flouted on many streets by traders who put out displays outside their shops. We took the photograph below on Monday 8 September 2025:
The ELS deputation reads: “Having adequate pavement widths is integral to meeting the needs of pedestrians and satisfying the travel hierarchy set out in the City Mobility Plan. Since the Edinburgh Street Design Guidance (ESDG) was originally approved in 2015, there has been a gradual dilution in the commitments set out in the ESDG. This is a missed opportunity to address this issue on our busiest pedestrian areas.
“While the needs of businesses are important this should not be at the expense of pedestrians. Elsewhere in the Bulletin, reference is made to the minimum footway clearance being increased to 1.5m but this should be regarded as the absolute minimum and not a standard which is applicable to all streets. Clearly busy streets require wider pavements.
“We believe that this matter requires further attention and that a full report to Committee to address the concerns which lead to the action last year should be provided to ensure that the Council does deliver the transport hierarchy, with walking at the top.”
The New Town and Broughton Community Council will make a verbal deputation on Thursday on the same matter.
Lockharton residents (Craiglockhart Road North, Craiglockhart View and Colinton Grove largely made up of terraced houses without driveways or garages) also present a deputation today.
Theirs is a harsh criticism of the delays imposed by council officers on dealing with parking problems in their area which arise from a Controlled Parking Zone implemented in a neighbouring area. Residents say this “has made routine daily life intolerable for residents in the Lockhartons” and that for example, they cannot go out during the day with their car as they cannot be assured of a parking place nearby when they return. They ask that council officers speed up the process of also introducing parking controls in their area.
The council had promised to introduce Priority Parking Area (PPA) restrictions on their streets by the end of 2025, but have been told this will be delayed until late 2026 – contrary to a decision by councillors in August 2024.
This matter was discussed by the Craiglockhart Community Council at their meeting in July when they reported that the statutory consultation process still had to be completed before residents would be formally consulted. The community council will next meet on 15 Septmebe4r in person at Craiglockhart Campus and online via Microsoft Teams at 7pm. Anyone wishing to attend can contact the Community Council for more information. [email protected]
The problem of boy racers in South Queensferry has been well documented in past years and the issue persists. Residents have now lodged a petition which will be considered at Thursday’s meeting. A petition requires 50 signatures to be considered by the council – this one has been signed by 551 individuals and 4 businesses.
The council has already installed some road cushions etc in the area but this has not deterred drivers gathering in the area with their cars and racing around the car park over the summer.
The petition reads: “We the undersigned, urgently call on City of Edinburgh Council to address the nightly anti-social behaviour and vehicle use in South Queensferry. Since early 2022, we have been tormented by excessively loud and disrespectful behaviour of many individuals within and around Hawes Car Park and by a significant number of cars and motorcycles racing around South Queensferry. This deliberate and aggravated behaviour continues late into the night and often into the early hours. It is threatening public safety and is causing a significant impact on residents’ wellbeing and the viability of local businesses offering nighttime accommodation and outdoor seating. Much of this behaviour is concentrated in Newhalls Road and the Hawes Car Park, which is preventing tourists, residents and visitors from enjoying a World Heritage site. Serious problem areas for speeding and excessive vehicle noise also include Hawes Promenade, Hawes Brae, Station Road, Scotstoun Avenue, Queensferry High Street, the B800, Burnshot Road, Ferrymuir Gait, the Springfields, the A904 and the B925. We call for: 1: Nightly closure of Hawes Car Park from 10pm until 6am, using gates and robust barriers to make it inaccessible to vehicles during this time. 2: Introduction of traffic calming measures in the above thoroughfares, such as speed cushions and other physical alterations, that will inhibit speeding and excessive vehicle noise. 3: The Council to work urgently with Police to monitor and penalise anti-social behaviour and vehicle use in the problem areas, eg by introducing more and better CCTV cameras, speed cameras and noise monitoring cameras.”
The Transport and Environment Committee meets today for its monthly meeting. The papers are here along with links where anyone can watch the meeting online live or in a recorded version after the meeting ends.
Massed Bands Concert – this weekend
The Massed Bands of HM Royal Marines will be live in Concert on Saturday 13 September 2025 at 7.3pm at Usher Hall on Lothian Road, EH1 2EA
“Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, precision, and pageantry as the world-renowned Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines take to the stage for their spectacular UK tour.
“Featuring a mix of military classics, rousing film scores, and breathtaking solo performances, this concert will leave you full of pride. Witness the impeccable discipline of our world famous Corps of Drums and the unmistakable sound of one of the finest military ensembles in the world.
“An unforgettable experience of music, tradition, and excellence.”
0131 228 1155 [email protected]
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival – programme is out now
The 2025 Scottish International Storytelling Festival is on from 22 October to 1 November. The programme is now published and tickets are on sale.
Read more here and access the full programme.
Maclean brothers bring home the million
The three Maclean brothers have brought it home, as their fundraising target of £1 million was achieved just as two of them returned to Scotland on Wednesday.
Nearly £60,000 was raised in the final 24 hours before their landing, with thousands inspired to donate the cost of a pizza or beer, the dishes the brothers dreamed about most while at sea.
The target was passed at around 8am this morning when Cairngorm Coffee, run by the brothers’ cousin Robie Lambie, donated £1,500 towards the campaign through sales of its limited-edition Sweet Valley coffee.
Ewan, an engineer, has remained in Australia to prepare the boat for returning to Scotland.
Jamie Maclean (31) said: “We are blown away by the way people have rallied behind us, not just here in Scotland but from all over the world. The support at every stage of this journey has been incredible.
“ To come home having reached £1 million is something we never imagined when we first set out. Knowing that this will change 40,000 lives with access to clean, safe water is the greatest reward we could have asked for.”
Youngest brother Lachlan, who turned 27 while at sea, said: “This feels truly monumental. We are deeply grateful to every single person who has backed us. Access to clean water is a basic human need, yet for so many communities in rural Madagascar it remains out of reach. To know that 40,000 people will now have safe water for life is life changing. It makes every mile we rowed worth it, and we couldn’t be prouder of what this support will achieve.
“We are so grateful to all the friends and family who came out to see us in at Cairns Marlin Marina just over one week ago, and so pleased to be back home in Edinburgh with those who weren’t able to make it out, including our dad, who we started this charity alongside.”
Their quest to raise the money for clean water in Madagascar by rowing unsupported across the Pacific has been realised. We understand there will be a period of rest and recuperation on the immediate horizon before they talk to the press.
And there is still time to donate here.
