DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER TO SIGN 'SAVE JOHNNIE WALKER' PETITION

DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER TO SIGN 'SAVE JOHNNIE WALKER' PETITION

Today (Saturday) SNP Depute Leader and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP signed a copy of the 'Save Johnnie Walker' petition outside the steps of the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow to show her support for saving jobs at Johnnie Walker’s in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow.

Commenting the day before a march in Kilmarnock which is expected to be attended by thousands, Ms Sturgeon said:

“The fight for jobs at Johnnie Walker’s in Kilmarnock is the same fight for jobs at the Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow. Both go hand in hand.

“It is an honour to sign this petition and I am pleased to do so.

"This petition shows that trade unions, politicians and local authorities in both Glasgow and East Ayrshire are all united in fighting Diageo's job cuts across Scotland.

“Just as First Minister Alex Salmond has actively put the case for retaining these jobs as a Glasgow MSP I can also categorically pledge that I will support the campaign to retain the jobs at both Port Dundas and in Kilmarnock.”

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MSP Willie Coffey, who launched the petition at an all party event with Kilmarnock Football Club, welcomed the support of the Deputy First Minister. He said:

"The petition has given local people and people all over the world the chance to tell Diageo what they think of their incredible decisions."

"With over 10,000 signatures online the response to the petition has been incredible and it is continuing to grow.

"It is very welcome that Nicola Sturgeon is showing her support and how this campaign is united between Glasgow and East Ayrshire."