Craig Hoy, MSP for South Scotland, recently toured Annandale Distillery where he learned more about this important Dumfriesshire business and heard about the wider challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
Mr Hoy met with David Thomson, who, along with his wife, Teresa Church, developed Annandale Distillery after rescuing it from dereliction in 2007. He also met with Mark Trainor, Head of Production, Buildings and Estates at the distillery. The distillery is now a significant local employer, with a shop, café and visitor centre showcasing its two single-cask single malt whiskies Man O’Sword and Man O’Words.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Hoy said: “I was pleased to join David and his team to learn more about the positive impact of the whisky industry both here in Dumfriesshire and across Scotland. David and his team have built a great local brand and attract visitors and jobs to the region. It was fascinating to learn about their unique distilling and ageing techniques and to discover the positive impact it is having in Dumfriesshire.
“I am pleased that Annandale Distillery is employing local people and training them in this skilled profession. Rural businesses such as Annandale Distillery are the lifeblood of our local economy and are playing their part in ensuring local jobs are provided.”
The visit also gave Mr Hoy the opportunity to learn more about Annandale Distillery’s commitment to net zero, including seeing a new world-first full-scale prototype capable of producing zero-carbon whisky. The system is a collaboration between expert boiler manufacturer Cochran, tech innovators EXERGY 3 and the UK Government’s Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.
Mr Hoy learned that the world-first system, due to launch soon, converts air into high-pressure steam using renewable electricity from the grid, completely removing fossil fuels from the process. It will allow the team to operate seven days a week by charging the system during off-peak hours to minimise environmental impacts and maximise efficiency.
The visit took place alongside the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) which used the opportunity to discuss its Scotch Whisky manifesto ahead of next year’s Holyrood election.
Also present at the visit were Susanne Cameron-Nielsen, Head of Engagement at the Scotch Whisky Association, and Peter Clark, Deputy Director for Industry at the SWA.
Mr Hoy learnt more about the Scotch whisky industry’s key priorities for the coming months. He said: “Distillers need the support of both the UK and Scottish governments and I would call on ministers north and south of the border to ensure they keep tax as low as possible and reduce the red tape and regulation the sector faces. There are some fantastic opportunities for the sector, including the India Free Trade deal, but the Scotch whisky industry will only flourish if ministers recognise the specific needs and challenges the sector faces.”
Susanne Cameron-Nielsen, Head of Engagement at the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “Scotch Whisky is an integral part of Scottish culture, heritage and global identity, and a key contributor to the economy. It plays a key role in communities across Scotland, especially in rural and regional areas, like Annan. Global success starts at home, and it is crucial that ahead of the 2026 Scottish election, parties and candidates support the Scotch Whisky industry to deliver growth and investment alongside our sustainability and responsibility objectives.”
