Draft article: Donald Erskine 2026-08-04 10:45

More than 170 jobs are at risk at a global whisky producer as the drinks giant presses ahead with a cost-cutting programme. The company, which operates 31 distilleries in Scotland and owns more than 300 brands, has confirmed that 172 distillery roles are currently at risk of redundancy. A further 38 positions could also be affected. Read More: A dram bit to consider as Diageo reshuffles the deck Diageo, which accounts for about a third of all whisky production in Scotland, said it is looking to "redesign our operating framework." The proposals have prompted criticism from union leaders, who warn of the potential impact on rural communities in the Highlands and Islands. GMB Scotland said the at-risk roles are spread across key sites including Cardhu, Port Ellen and Dufftown. The union also