Chamber and committees

I thank my colleague Ivan McKee for bringing the debate to the chamber. I also thank the Scotch Whisky Association and the whisky companies in my constituency for the helpful briefings that they provided ahead of tonight’s debate.

Scotch whisky is more than just a drink; it is a manifestation of Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to quality production. It is a symbol of national pride and delivers for our national and local economies. In 2022, the whisky industry in Scotland generated £7.1 billion in GVA and supported 66,000 jobs, and since 2018 it has invested more than £2 billion. That massive investment in our national economy should rightly be celebrated.

I am proud to represent a constituency that holds the significant Auchintoshan distillery, which is just off the A82 in Clydebank and literally five minutes away from my front door, and the Chivas Brothers warehouse in Dalmuir. I had the opportunity to visit that spirit processing and maturation site, which contains filling, disgorging and blending facilities. It has 56 employees and a combined 700 years of experience.

Legal whisky making started on the banks of the Clyde in 1817, when the Duntocher distillery was built by John Bulloch. His grandson co-founded one of the 19th century’s most famous blending and broking firms, Bulloch Lade. It was then bought in 1834 by John Hart and Alexander Filshie, who changed its name to Auchentoshan. The Filshies sold up in 1875 to a local grain merchant, and again, like so many stills, Auchie spent almost a century being passed from one owner to another. The distillery was sold to Stanley P Morrison in 1984, before being acquired by Suntory in 1994, beginning a successful era in which the whisky won many awards. The new visitor centre was built in 2004, and Auchentoshan remains a very popular Scotch whisky tourist destination.

Today, Auchentoshan is the only single malt Scotch whisky that is triple distilled and, unusually, all its production is for single malt rather than going to make blended Scotch whisky. Auchentoshan has a large market in the United Kingdom and the US but, interestingly, its popularity is also fast growing in Taiwan and Singapore.

Our whisky distilleries are so much more than just whisky producers. Auchentoshan, for example, does a lot of work in my community, which includes providing on-going support for Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels by donating food and supplies—but not whisky, I think—to help that organisation’s efforts to support those in need. Auchentoshan also supports other charities in my constituency such as Clyde Shopmobility and Golden Friendships, to name just a few.

As times change, it is important that our whisky industry moves with us. Sustainable and ethical production is more important than ever, and several distilleries are on their way to achieving greater decarbonisation. Although it is still subject to planning consent, the Auchentoshan HyClyde project, run by Marubeni Europower, would use proven technology to deliver green hydrogen to power the whole distilleryI It is expected that the project would create up to 130 jobs in construction, in addition to another four to five jobs once it is in operation.

Of course, while we champion our whisky industries, we must do much to acknowledge the importance of responsible drinking. I was glad to see, therefore, that in September 2023 the Scottish Government and the Scotch whisky industry agreed to work together to promote the made to be measured campaign as part of the Government’s wider efforts to reduce alcohol misuse in Scotland. Likewise, the whisky industries in my constituency, such as Auchentoshan, support the campaign. Auchentoshan’s owner is Suntory, which is a founding member of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking.

Let us all, therefore, raise a glass to our excellent Scotch whisky industry and the generations of distillers who have dedicated their lives to perfecting the craft. I thank Ivan McKee once again for securing the debate, which has been very worth while.

In earlier evidence, the committee heard concerns that tribunal hearings are being held over the phone rather than in person. How does that practice affect the quality of decision making? Are there any potential implications of that for a human rights-based approach to social security? I put that question to either of you.

Do you think that standard letters should and could be accepted by the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland?

Thank you. Tribunals are independent, but, given the resource available to Social Security Scotland compared with the appellant, do you think that the correct balance is given when allowing flexibility to both sides? For example, how easy is it for the appellant to secure an adjournment compared with Social Security Scotland?

Good morning, panel. Mr Rogerson, do you think that the figure for estimated recoverable payments of up to £5.5 million per year by 2028-29 is reasonable?

Mr Gass, do you want to add to that?

Yes—sorry.

That would be very helpful to the committee, thank you.

Good morning, panel. We appreciate you coming along to our committee again.

Mr Gass, what experience do you have of supporting clients with Social Security Scotland benefit appeals? How does it differ from appeals on reserved benefits?

I have one more question, with your indulgence, convener. Mr Gass, you mentioned standard letters. Does that apply to appeals? What are the benefits of those types of letters being accepted when an appeal is lodged?