 The final item of business today is a member's business debate on motion number 12302 in the name of Kevin Stewart on World Whiskey Day 2015. The debate will be concluded without any questions being put. I would be grateful if those members wished to speak in the debate. Could press the request to speak buttons now, please? I call on Kevin Stewart to open the debate. Seven minutes, Mr Stewart. Thank you very much, Presiding Officer. World Whiskey Day was this past Saturday with events going on across the globe. I first raised the motion on World Whiskey Day in 2012, when Aberdeen-based student Blair Bowman actually founded World Whiskey Day. World Whiskey Day is now being managed by Hot Rum Cow Publishing. Last year, we have seen 40 countries participate with whisky-themed events involving 250,000 people going on. This year, we have seen over 178 events organised in 48 countries around the globe. There was an event for the first time ever in every continent, a World Whiskey Day first. Events at sea, in distilleries, bars and homes, from Bali to Colombia and from South Korea to Nigeria. The most isolated event in the sub-Antartic Tasmanian territory, Macquarie Island, which is 1,000 miles south west of Tasmania, and 2,300 miles north of Antarctica, where the winter population of is only 13, celebrated in style at their Maka mash tun event. In Scotland, around three hardy whisky fans sought to enjoy a tasting 2,000 feet up on Arrechmore, and Hague club ambassador David Beckham took the US TV's Jimmy Kimmel live to answer three ridiculous questions for World Whiskey Day, and I understand that his ugly selfie went viral. The World Whiskey Day hashtag was used almost 8,000 times on the day, resulting in an estimated reach of 11,305,843 hits. World Whiskey Day hashtag trended in New Orleans for 13 hours. Many folk in this Parliament took to Twitter and to Facebook to promote World Whiskey Day. The Cabinet Secretary, Mr Lockhead, took to Twitter to advertise space-eyed and the quality whiskeys that it produces, as did his Westminster parliamentary colleague Angus Robertson. Charity has also gotten in the act and were sometimes a bit cheeky. To Sticular Cancer Awareness Charity, Cahonas Scotland tweeted, enjoy the whisky but don't forget the rocks. Hashtag to Sticular Cancer Awareness, hashtag tart in checks, and other organisations use World Whiskey Day to promote their whisky heritage with the promise of Aberdeenshire launching a brochure on the translations of secret malts of Aberdeenshire. 2015 is Scotland's year of food and drink, a Scottish Government initiative led by Event Scotland, Visit Scotland and May is, of course, whisky months. Malcolm Ruffhead, Visit Scotland chief executive, said that whisky is one of Scotland's most valuable commodities, with visitors from across the globe coming to our shores to experience an authentic Scottish dram. World Whiskey Day is a fantastic initiative and a chance for novices and enthusiasts everywhere to raise a glass to Scotland's national drink. Widening the appeal of whisky is important if we want to encourage more visitors to come to Scotland, particularly during the year of food and drink 2015, and events are a key part of that. I hope that this year's whisky month celebrations of which World Whiskey Day is a key part inspire Scots and visitors to Scotland to come and discover more about one of our most famous exports. Catherine Mutch of Scotland Food and Drink said that the organisation was delighted to have supported World Whiskey Day since its inception, and it is fantastic that it is continuing to grow year on year. Scotland is blessed with a world-class natural larder, and World Whiskey Day provides the perfect platform to showcase our land of food and drink throughout the world. With 2015 being Scotland's year of food and drink and maybe in whisky month, what better way to celebrate than with a dram? You can see there's a theme developing here, Presiding Officer. Founder of World Whiskey Day, Blair Bowman, said that the day just keeps getting bigger and bigger and better, to see it grow from a simple idea to something that has spread across all seven continents and has brought together thousands of people to celebrate whisky is such a thrill. We're going to have to work hard to top this next year. Now, space is the final frontier for World Whiskey Day. Although in terms of space drama, advocacy of whisky by Scotty from Star Trek, Star Trek could be said to have already gone where no drama has gone before. The First Minister herself also took to Twitter and said that it's great to see an iconic Scottish product bringing so many people around the world together. It seems that World Whiskey Day brightened up the lives of many, and for those who may be feeling a little bit down after all of the amazing events, let me cheer you up by reminding you of the old proverb, today's rain is tomorrow's whisky. Thank you very much. We now turn to the open debate, speeches of around four minutes please, and I call David Torrance to be followed by Sarah Boyack. Thank you Presiding Officer, and Presiding Officer, could I give my apologies for not being able to stay for a whole of debate as I have another engagement? I want to thank Kevin Stewart for bringing this motion to Parliament and to extend my congratulations to all those who have contributed to making World Whiskey Day 2015 a success. I also welcome the opportunity to speak about whisky today. Not only is whisky our national drink, but it is also a significant driver of Scotland's economy. With regards to both of these aspects, World Whiskey Day represents a great opportunity. It allows Scotland, as well as whisky lovers all over the world, to celebrate whisky by promoting the product on a global scale. This year, more than 170 events in celebration of World Whiskey Day were registered in many different countries. It shows that rather being exclusive, whisky is a drink to be shared among friends, and the spirit I believe that whisky reflects the welcoming nature and hospitality that us Scots are renowned for. I felt any doubt that whisky is one of the country's most ionic industries. Distilln has a long history in our country, which also favoured the development of many different regional characteristics. If I dare to say, back in the days, whisky is also a sign of Scotland's sometimes rebellious character. What characterises our whisky industry today is much of a tradition that has been preserved. It is, of course, true that many distillries are owned by bigger companies. Nonetheless, Scottish whisky is renowned for its diversity in taste and flavour, due to the fact that ingredients are sourced from different locations. World Whiskey Day allows us to celebrate all types of whisky, whether it is a highland, lowland, space-eyed, Campbelltown or Islay whisky. Not to forget that there are blended whisky and blended malt whiskeys. The art of blended whisky is still very much a traditional practice and carefully passed on from one generation to another. One of my constituents in Cercodi, Ian Norwell, has followed the family tradition and continues to blend his own whisky, norwell sensible. Another issue that I want to mention today, and what I am particularly delighted about, is the way that the whisky industry combines its historic roots with the newest technologies. That not only leads to high quality but also contributes to us a more sustainable product. In 2009, the Scottish Whisky Association published its first environmental strategy. The strategy sets out very specific targets to increase the use of non-fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, the aim is to make the industry more energy efficient. The Scottish Whisky Association will publish a performance report later this year, and I am looking forward to hearing about the achievements and I believe that other industries can learn from lessons in moving towards environmentally friendly practices. I have already mentioned the economic weight of the whisky industry. 90 per cent of whisky is exported to more than 200 countries. Last whisky exports contribute £3.95 billion to our economy, especially the last decade that has seen a surge in exports accounting for an increase of 74 per cent. Despite exports declining in 2014, the whisky export market is still expanding, with emerging markets gaining greater interest. The industry is challenged to constantly evolve while maintaining its good reputation. However, I am confident that companies are well equipped to face those hurdles and that sales will continue to grow. Today, many distilleries welcome visitors to observe and learn more about how whisky is produced. Whisky tourism is an additional economic benefit and strengthens Scotland's tourist sector as a whole. It also allows producers to display their rich histories, offer tasting sessions while attracting new customers. Talking about whisky, we should not forget that industry also supports more than 40,000 jobs in the UK. Their hard work, dedication and determination to achieve high quality has been integral to the success story of whisky. As I want to take this opportunity to thank all involved as well as wish him all the best for future endeavours. I think that this year's World Whisky Day has fulfilled all the expectations in celebrating our national drink. It offered many distilleries the chance to promote their products abroad, but it reminded us to cherish its long-standing tradition and economic importance. In closing, I am positive that the Scotch with whisky will continue to thrive here in Scotland and around the world. We might call it a water of life, however, I also want to remind each and every one to enjoy whisky responsibly. Thank you very much. I now call Sarah Boyack to be followed by Mary Scanlon. I think that this is a really appropriate debate, and I want to thank Kevin Stewart for bringing it to the chamber today, because it enables us to celebrate one of Scotland's greatest products. It enables us to focus on our economy, our tourism industry and, crucially, our culture. I first heard first hand about this debate on Facebook. I have repeatedly been invited to World Whisky Day over the past couple of years. It is a really good example of the point that Kevin Stewart made about the huge impact that World Whisky Day has had on Facebook. I wonder, and on social media generally, whether that is because it was started by Blair Bowman, who started the initiative while he was studying at university. Access to the media to students today is totally different to those of us who studied some time ago. The number of people now celebrating the initiative is fantastic. The global reach of over 50 million people on social media is just incredible for our industry, and it is something that is absolutely worth celebrating. I think that it is about making whisky inclusive and enjoyable and trying to move away from whisky only being something that a few people will drink and something that is a bit more exclusive or niche. Although I did not attend, I understand that the angel's share in Edinburgh had a fantastic… I see that at least one of my colleagues is nodding. I had a fantastic celebration on Saturday. For us in Edinburgh, whisky is hugely important as part of our economy and part of our tourism offer. The North British Distillery Company, which is based in Gorgia in Edinburgh, was founded 130 years ago. When it was founded in Wheatfield, it was actually on the edge of the city. It was a pig farm at the time, and it is just a statement of how Edinburgh has grown that it is now part of the inner city. The site at the time was perfectly suited for the business. It was beside the union canal, so there was water access. It was close to the railway for distribution, and it was close to what was then the main sewer of the city for disposal of effluent. Neighboring dairy farmers provided a ready outlet for the disposal of draught and drag residue. Those of us who were here last week in the chamber will know that that is a perfect example of the early circular economy in Scotland. It is a hugely important business in the area. It has changed over time. It has been developed. I think that one of the things that is striking about the industry is that, in its first 108 years, it was a co-operative arrangement that the distillery financed by the trade so that distillers could get spirit that was consistently of high quality at a price that they could control and that was then used in the whisky industry. It is still one of the largest Scots-grain whisky producers in Scotland, and although the distillery does not market its own brand, the whisky spirit that it produces is used in a number of popular well-known brands such as Famous Grouse, Johnny Walker Black Label and Cutty Sark. It is great for us in Edinburgh to be able to celebrate because we still have whisky being produced in the city. As has already been said, in this year of Scottish Food and Drink, it is important that we celebrate the role of whisky in our tourism industry as well. Although we do not have a branded whisky in Edinburgh ourselves, we do benefit from the cultural associations with our national drink. The city is home to two of the three members' rooms of the Scotch Malt whisky Society, one in Leith, one in the city and one in London. The city is also home with the Scottish whisky experience tour, and it takes visitors through a replica distillery to learn how Scotland's national drink is made. Personally, I will always remember World Whisky Day. It is always going to be memorable to me because it is my birthday. It is something that I am always going to celebrate personally. I am glad that Kevin Stewart asked us to widen the appeal of whisky. I think that it was also appropriate that it was suggested that we should drink whisky, not just in moderation but sensibly. If I can add my suggestion as to how we widen the appeal of whisky, my personal preference—I do not drink it straight—is to add it to Cranachin, one of my favourite puddings. Those of you who are pudding aficionados will know that whisky can be added to many Scottish puddings. It is one of the ways that we can expand the attraction and appeal of whisky. In the year of Scottish food and drink, we should be thinking laterally about how we promote whisky and all the different brands of whisky that we have in Scotland, and how we drink it differently. I want to add my words of congratulations to those who initiated World Whisky Day, and to celebrate the fact that there are so many jobs in Scotland associated with whisky, and to celebrate the fact that it is £5 billion worth to our economy every year, £3.3 billion directly, and £1.8 billion invested across our domestic supply chain. It is hugely important. It accounts for, it is quite a staggering figure, a quarter of the UK's food and drink exports alone, so it is something that we should celebrate. It is part of our culture, it is part of our tourism offer, it is part of our economy, it is part of who we are, but let us just make sure that we celebrate it and we do it responsibly and we enjoy it. Thank you very much, Presiding Officer. Many thanks. I now call Mary Scanlon to be followed by Liam McArthur. Thank you, Presiding Officer. I have had whisky poured over a hagus at Burn's Supper, but I have never tried it in pudding, but there you are. I would also like to congratulate Kevin Stewart. We do not often agree in this chamber, but we wholeheartedly agree and commend him on securing this debate to acknowledge the fourth world whisky day and allow people in the globe to raise a glass to this incredible Scottish product. I would also like to acknowledge the points that David Torrance made, particularly on their environmental credentials. It may be an old industry, but they are very modern in terms of addressing the environment. The exports that Sarah Boyack said and the visitor experience in the Highlands is highly professional and absolutely second to none. I am the co-convener of the cross-party group on whisky with Gordon MacDonald. Also as an MSP for the Highlands and Islands, whisky is never far from my radar. Whether it is in Murray, as the cabinet secretary will know, as a constituency with the most distilleries in Scotland, the famous malt whisky trail, the islands, particularly Fond of Islay, with whisky's from Lafroy, Glaga Boulin, to Brueachladi and Boonehaben, and Orkney with Highland Park and the rest of the region, which hosts countless maltings distilleries and also the farms that supply some of the finest grain to provide that special scotch flavour. The one thing about whisky is that all whiskeys in Scotland are very similar, but they are all very totally different. Every time you visit a distillery, the stills are a different shape. There are different techniques in every single distillery and all credit to them. That is why the success of the whisky industry is not just for the Highlands but across Scotland. I know that the Scotch whisky Association was certainly very welcoming of the 2 per cent reduction in duty that was announced by George Osborne earlier this year. I want to focus my remarks on some of the new distilleries that have opened or are planned, many of which are small craft distilleries that will not produce mass volumes, at least initially, but will provide a different style of whisky for a niche market. The next cross-party group is doing a tasting of the new craft whisky's craft distilleries. I hope that some of my colleagues here would come along. However, the growth in new distilleries is phenomenal. £2 billion of investment last year and proposed for this year is the biggest growth in the industry since the 1970s. There are examples of new distilleries. We have one in Shetland at Saxiford on the Isle of Unst. We also have a whisky company in Benbecula and a new distillery in Tarburton-Harris and the Adelphi distillery in Arden-a-Murchan. Although there are only 15 people working there, 15 people in a remote and rural area are 15 families that have security of employment and income for a long time, and of course Balindalach. Along with Highland colleagues, and I would presume Mr Lockhead as well, I will be attending the opening of Dalmanach distillery at Carren near Aberlour next month, so another new one. All of those examples and many more that are entering into the craft distillery side have seen the potential for their products, but they have also been able to overcome what could be a daunting challenge. A large amount of capital is required to build a new distillery, and it takes a minimum of three years for the product to mature, so return on investment can sometimes be years after the initial outlay. That is why support from the Scottish Government and High is so important. We have a great deal to be proud of. I am looking at the time and moving on, but there is just one thing that I want to say today. The Scottish Whisky Association often reminds us of the cross-party groups. What protects Scotch whisky being made in Scotland is an act of Parliament that was passed at Westminster, so you cannot produce Scotch in Japan, Australia or America or anywhere else. The person who passed—it was like our equivalent of a member's bill—and the person who passed that should all be grateful, given the huge increase in the volume of whisky exports and whisky consumption, was the Tory's own billwalker. Thank you very much, and I now call Liam McArthur to be followed by Stuart Stevenson. Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. I join with others in congratulating Kevin Stewart on his motion and securing this debate. No disrespect to Mr Stewart or indeed our internationally renowned whisky industry, but at the moment, following momentous events in Orkney last Saturday, for me, the 16th of May stands out as the day that Sandy finally defeated reigning champions in Orkney Parish Cup. Achieving this victory, like any good single malt, has taken its time, but it was well worth the wait. I am reliably informed that hardier members of the Sandy team than I did indeed mark the happy coincidence of our victory with World Whisky Day with the odd drum or two. However, I am delighted to be able to take part and make a brief contribution to this debate, which, as Sarah Boyack says, is very timely and very welcome. As I think everybody has acknowledged, this is a genuinely world-class industry with a global reach almost unsurpassed by any sector in the Scottish or indeed the UK economies. The numbers I think that Sarah Boyack indicated are absolutely staggering. I think that £5 billion of contribution to the UK economy overall, £4.3 billion in net exports and jobs either directly or indirectly supported that go well over £40,000. I see in my constituency, again, as others have reflected, that impact at a very local level. Perhaps Highland Park is the more familiar distillery and certainly demand both domestically and internationally for Highland Park has grown significantly over recent years. However, what has been particularly intriguing is seeing the impact within the wider tourism sector. Those who are coming either solely or mainly because of the presence of Highland Park and the other distilleries or seeing it as part of a very attractive tourism offering. Edrington and Highland Park are to be commended on the investment that they have put into the visitor centre and the support for that tourism traffic. However, I certainly would not want to overlook the contribution that SCAPA makes as well. It is a very different distillery, much smaller, a craft artisanal whisky. I had the privilege of having a tour of the distillery a few years back and I am delighted that, with the support of Chivas, SCAPA distillery is now opening its doors to the wider public after around 130 years. I have personally taken pleasure in removing the no-visitors sign, and I know that I speak on behalf of the team here in saying that we cannot wait to see the SCAPA distillery form an interesting, negative, educative and welcoming part of the Orkney community. I think that that illustrates how Highland Park and SCAPA are clearly and see themselves very much as a key component of the overall tourism offering in Orkney, as well as an integral part of the high-quality world-class food and drink sector. Therefore, in many respects, Orkney is simply a microcosm of what is happening more generally within Scotland. As well as acknowledging the individual companies within the sector, special mention is also due to the Scottish Whisky Association for the Work They Do, promoting the industry exceptionally well at home and abroad, taking up a wide range of interests on their behalf. Mary Scanlon and David Torrance were right to draw attention to the environmental record of the sector. David Torrance is right, too, in highlighting the responsible drink message that is reinforced time and again, and I would need to say that as the honorary patron of the Orkney Alcohol, Counseling and Advice Service. The promotional work that was not just done by the SWA, I would also wish to acknowledge the commitment on a voluntary basis of some of the global Scots around the world, such as Eric Wang, the chair of the Scots Malt Whisky Society in Taiwan, whom I met at the end of last year. I think that we can take some personal credit for the remarkable growth that we have seen in whisky exports to that particular market. I think that it is absolutely right that we have this debate. I look forward with the degree of optimism. Again, I congratulate Kevin Stewart and Blair Bowman, I wish Highland Park, Scapa and all those working in and alongside the sector very well in the years ahead. I am pleased in particular that World Whisky Day is now anchored in the calendar for years ahead as the third Saturday in May. For Sarah Boyack, that will be a huge disappointment because it will not be on her birthday until 2020. The rest of us, however, will celebrate it every year when it is on, first of all, next year, the 21st of May, then the 20th and so on and so forth. That will come just two Saturdays after the next Scottish parliamentary election, so there will be those of us who will be celebrating a release from this place, there will be those of us who are celebrating a re-appointment to this place and there may be those of us who are celebrating their departure with less than a glad spirit, but we will all have an excuse to taste one of Scotland's finest materials. Mary Scanlon talked about Bill Walker's act of Parliament trivial by comparison with the 1915 Immature Spirits Act that my father's cousin James Stevenson took through at the Westminster Parliament, which, of course, is what is responsible for why Whisky is not permitted to be sold under three years old, which, of course, created the quality that we depend on industry today. Let me like others congratulate Kevin Stewart on securing this debate. It's timely, it's appropriate, it's interesting and I will go away having learned something. Mary Scanlon spoke about ILA and the distilleries there. I'm a private pilot and I'll just tell you one of the things about flying to ILA is that all the distilleries have the name of the distillery painted in huge letters on the roof of the distilleries and air traffic control at the airport at ILA navigate you to the airport by reference to the names of the distilleries on the basis you can look out the window and see that you're at the right one. It's of help to many people who have to be stone cold sober in what they do. Kevin Stewart talked about Antarctica but he didn't tell me the whole story. There were actually two events on Antarctica itself, one at David's station like the other one. It's one of the few places in the world without a postcode. On the 16th of May, between 7 o'clock and 10 o'clock, the expedition team celebrated World Whisky Day by hosting a whiskey appreciation evening sampling a variety of whiskeys from the personal collections of the wintering expedition team. At Molson station, between 6 o'clock and 8 o'clock, they had a whiskey tasting between each course of their dinner that evening. Across the world, people have been celebrating. In Kenya, in Nairobi, they had a celebration. In Cambodia, in the warehouse in the old market area. In Kiev, troubled as the Ukraine currently is, they were able to make time in Sovetskaya Street for whisky tasting. In my niece's hometown of Townsville in Queensland, they had a whiskey menu from which one could select a wide range of whiskeys in the traditional gentlemen's bar. Of course, here in this city, and I'm surprised that it was not earlier mentioned, the coach house New Liston had under the aegis of the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine a gourmet cookery school for men. That particularly attracted my attention, where that one day cookery course was followed by a tutored whisky tasting. I'm sure that that would be an excellent event, but I'd particularly favoured a Glasgow event called the Spirit of Independence Tasting. Now, to be fair, it was not a political reference. It was about the independent distilleries, who were not owned by the big boys, but they seemed to have had a terrific time if the adverts are anything to go by. I'm jealous of Mary Scanlon, even more jealous of my colleague to the west of me, Richard Lochhead, who is going to respond to the debate, but I certainly celebrated World Whisky Day on Saturday with a refreshing draft of a knock from the distillery at knock. I welcomed the constituency boundary changes in 2011, gave me that distillery to add to the couple that I already had, but I'm looking forward to making a takeover bid for Murray at the next election, because I just want more of them. You cannae get enough. Many thanks. I now invite Richard Lochhead to respond to the debate, cabinet secretary. Seven minutes or so, please. Thank you. I can just say the outset as the self-styled minister for whisky in the Scottish Government. It gives me great the light to open this debate and, firstly, congratulate Kevin Stewart on sponsoring this debate. It's very appropriate, of course, given that Kevin Stewart is not only a champion of the Scottish whisky sector, but also represents Aberdeen, where World Whisky Day was founded. I've listened closely to many of the contributions, and I'll do my best to respond to some of the themes raised in the debate. I should say the outset. I took note of Mary Scanlon speaking about pouring a bottle of whisky over the haggis. I once was asked to pour a bottle of Glyn Farclas into the River Spade to open the fishing season, which was both a privilege but quite painful at the same time, because it was a good quality bottle of Glyn Farclas whisky. I know that, given the number of times we are all asked to donate Scotch whisky to raffles and auctions that we have all personally invested in the future of this magnificent sector in Scotland. Mary Scanlon, I feel that I have to correct for the record that I poured a little glass of whisky over the haggis, not a bottle. I think that that is quite important for the credibility that I have. I'm sure that it was a very fine-tasting haggis with the added benefit of the Scotch whisky over it. It's quite amazing how we are here discussing in Parliament's World Whisky Day, given that it's only back in 2012 that the Blair Bowman first founded the concept of World Whisky Day. It just shows how the day, the celebration of Scotch whisky, has gone from strength to strength in the intervening time. Here we are now in 2015, as is having a parliamentary debate on World Whisky Day. It's amazing how Scotch whisky is important not only as a product but how the Swatch is a very simple drink of only three key ingredients—the barley, the water and the yeast—can have such a profound impact on many lives in this country and the economy of the country as well at the same time. Not only that, as we've been hearing today, is enjoyed by literally millions of people around the whole of the planet. The fourth magical ingredient of course of Scotch whisky is the people, because much of its creation is a result of the passion, the craftsmanship and devotion of our citizens who work in the Scotch whisky industry. It's very important to recognise the role many people have played over the last couple of centuries in building up this enormous asset in Scotland, which is now being celebrated around the last Saturday in World Whisky Day, as Kevin Stewart said, or for the first time ever, events taking place in every continent. The industry, as many members have said, supports many jobs in this country. There are some 40,000 jobs directly and indirectly supported across these islands, with every job in Scotch whisky industry supporting, I'm told, just under three jobs, further jobs in the broader economy. It's also an industry that's going from strength to strength. I think we've all been fascinated over the last few years alone how many new distilleries have opened in Scotland, how many more are on the drawing board or under construction, and how many more are planned for the future as well. It's an amazing booming sector. Exports alone have increased by over 50 per cent since 2007. I had the benefit of visiting King's Barn distillery, a new distillery in Fife and also Ballon Dallach's English State distillery, which was officially opened just a couple of weeks ago in Spacide in my constituency. We also know that there are many more that have been opened just in the last couple of years in Scotland and many more that are about to officially open. Some of those, of course, have been supported by the food grant scheme that the Scottish Government runs, the new version of which is worth £70 million, which it only just launched this week. No doubt there will be a flurry of applications for new whisky distilleries across the country wanting to apply to that. That's a sign of the root health in which the industry finds itself. I should also say that there are other spectacular projects planned in the pipeline. Again, in Spacide, the spectacular new McAllan distillery that's now begun to be built is going to be world beating and, of course, it's going to be a massive visitor attraction once it's complete and a very iconic distillery indeed. That does remind us, of course, of the tourism value of Scotch whisky. Many of the most popular visitor attractions in this country are in the whisky industry and, of course, you've got various locations here in the Royal Mile as well as in the rural communities. Again, as the member said, the employment value of the industry is significant, particularly in our more rural communities. We should also bear in mind that that also underpins primary production in this country as well, particularly in the agricultural sector, with the barley grown by our farmers, which is, of course, a key ingredient of Scotch whisky. We are looking at how to improve the excellence of barley growing in this country through research and development for the future to make sure that the whisky quality product can go from strength to strength in the future. I also have the benefit of this week on Thursday of visiting the Scotch whisky research institute, so I'm looking forward to meeting the people there to again learn how there's work always on-going to improve the excellence of Scotch whisky. Scotch whisky also depends on Scotland's pristine environment and the success of that sector reminds us how we have to look after the environment in this country and ensure the good quality of water that we have, and the natural environment is always there to enjoy to underpin many of our key economic sectors. There's a magnificent story told by the success of Scotch whisky in this country, and World Whisky Day is all about telling that story. Again, as we've heard, World Whisky Day falls in the middle of whisky month, which, of course, is part of the year of food and drink 2015. In terms of telling the story, we've seen that 11 million plus hits on Twitter. Can we ensure that we use social media to the utmost in World Whisky Day every day of the year to promote that product, to promote Scotland and to ensure that we continue to have a vibrant economy based on the back of that quality product? Well, it's true that social media is a fantastic opportunity for promoting Scotch whisky, and I think that Kevin Stewart makes a good point, so we should certainly continue to investigate how we can make the most of that, and perhaps if we do have new ideas that can be used this year, the year of food and drink, we can certainly support taking them forward. Other ways in which we've helped to promote Scotch whisky, of course, is through the many different events sponsored by events Scotland and supported by Visit Scotland in the country's part of the year of food and drink. We've seen the spirit of space-side whisky festival supported, which in turn sponsored a further 400 events across space-side. We've got the Moir Festival at Blackball quiddr, which takes place this weekend, a family event, again with local produce and Scotch whisky being celebrated at it. We've got the Islay Festival of Music and Malt, which is a nine-day festival now in its 31st year, and again that is, of course, sponsoring many, many different events across that spectacular island as well. We've also got Create Eat Whisky, which marries food and whisky, and that's described as a multi-sensory whisky adventure, which has also been sponsored. And some of these events have taken place this month, whisky month, and others throughout the year. And, of course, we've got many, many events here in the Royal Mail taking place as well. So a lot of these events, of course, have been celebrating the long-standing success of Scotch whisky in this country. Many events are taking advantage of the publicity that is generated by World Whisky Day, and that's why we cannot do enough to praise both Blair Bowman, who founded World Whisky Day, and those who are now taking it forward. And even Blair, having his own event, I'm told in Aberdeen called Blair Bowman, Whisky Dinner and Drams, which has taken place at Tipping House in the 27th of May, so there's a plug for his event as well. So I hope that that's a great success. I hope that Blair Bowman is very proud of the progress that Scotch World Whisky Day has made since 2012. He's still involved, as Kevin Stewart says, that the brand is now taken over by Hot Rod MacCow Publishing, but they are continuing to work together on that. So, hopefully, we'll have many more debates in this chamber to celebrate the success of Scotch whisky and the economic value of that, the cultural value of that as well, and the funds and enjoyment that it brings to our lives here in Scotland and, of course, the people around the world. So once again, I congratulate all the speakers on their contributions and Kevin Stewart on bringing forward this debate. I wish everyone a belatedly World Whisky Day, but I did that on Twitter on Saturday. In the meantime, I think that it's now time to retire to the bar and allow Kevin Stewart to buy us all a dram to celebrate his motion. Thank you very much. Thank you Cabinet Secretary. That concludes Kevin Stewart's debate on World Whisky Day 2015, and I now close this meeting of Parliament.