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FM joins Keepers of the Quaich
14/04/2008
First Minister Alex Salmond said tonight he was 'honoured' to become a Keeper of the Quaich and be part of its global promotion of Scotland's national drink.
The FM was inducted as a new Keeper alongside 39 others at the Scottish Whisky Industry's Keepers of the Quaich annual banquet at Blair Castle in Blair Atholl.
During his address to the society, which includes 1,800 members from 82 countries, the FM outlined the significant economic benefits of the global trading of Scotland's whisky.
Mr Salmond said:
"The global character of the Keepers of the Quaich is a true reflection of the international appeal of whisky. Scotland's whisky is not only an excellent ambassador for the quality and distinction of Scotland's produce, it plays a vital role in sustainable economic growth.
"Scotland's whisky is exported to just about every country in the world. That's 200 different cultures enjoying the quality and prestige of our famous export while experiencing a part of our own culture. And let's not forget the economic benefits.
"Those exports contributed £2.5 billion to our economy in 2006 and we are confident the total for 2007 will be even greater. The industry supports more than 41,000 jobs in total while attracting more than one million visitors to our distilleries each year.
"Whisky is vital to the Scottish Government's number one priority - increasing sustainable economic growth. My Government fully backs the Scottish Whisky Associations' push for greater legal protection in order to protect this iconic Scottish product in the global market."