Whisky firm to shed 200 jobs

The firm also produces Isle of Jura, Dalmore and Vladivar

The whisky group, Kyndal, known for its Whyte and Mackay brand, is to cut 200 jobs.

The company has confirmed it plans to close one of its two plants, either Grangemouth or Leith, and consolidate bottling operations on a single site.

Kyndal also revealed that it is to change its name to that of one of its most popular products - Whyte and Mackay.

The cuts will mainly be among bottling staff, but some administrative posts are also expected to go.

The cost-cutting measure will reduce the workforce from about 700 to 500 employees.

'Lack of investment'

Chief executive Vivian Imerman said the restructuring would include investment of £70m in upgrading equipment and brand marketing.

He added that the decision had been taken to rename the company to help "reverse our slowly deteriorating market position".

Mr Imerman said: "Our portfolio of products, both branded and own label, have suffered from a lack of investment over the past five years and the £50m that we will spend on marketing will help rectify this and help the brands to meet their potential."

The company has caused great uncertainty by not indicating at which location the new operation will be based Pat Rafferty, T&G union

A further £20m will be spent on restructuring company operations.

He also said the firm would work with the Scottish Executive and unions to help those members of staff affected by the cuts.

The Transport and General Workers Union expressed concern for the future job security of workers.

T&G Scotland's regional industrial organiser Pat Rafferty said: "The company has caused great uncertainty by not indicating at which location the new operation will be based.

"The failure to say which site will close and where the job losses will be, stating that such a decision will not be made until September, does not constitute meaningful consultation in our eyes and does nothing to stem the distress of the workforce."

Standard Life

Meanwhile, the insurance firm, Standard Life, has said it is moving 200 posts to Edinburgh.

The jobs, mostly in administration operations, are being transferred from elsewhere in the UK.

Standard Life, which has a workforce of 11,000 nationwide, said the move was part of a restructuring plan and not a cost-cutting measure.