A dram of recognition

6 Jul 2015 01:28 PM

Food Secretary wants iconic whisky regions to be recognised by UNESCO.

Scotland’s Food Secretary Richard Lochhead has yesterday (Sunday) said there is now a great opportunity for Scotland’s iconic whisky regions to be recognised as world heritage sites, following the announcement that the French region of Champagne has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

He said the industry and its stakeholders – including the Scottish Government – should seize this opportunity to learn from the steps taken by Champagne, and the producers in the region, that will enable Scotland to have its six popular whisky regions to receive the same level of recognition.

Mr Lochhead said:

“This is excellent news for Champagne, and rightfully deserved – and I now hope this could open up a golden opportunity for Scotland’s many whisky-producing regions.

“The Scotch whisky industry is iconic and world-famous, steeped in tradition and craft. It’s now time for the industry and public sector to investigate the Champagne region’s success and see what we can learn from it, for the benefit of Scotland.

“Champagne is an iconic product, recognised the world over – Scotch whisky is just as iconic, if not more. This is Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink – there is no better time than now to push forward and work towards our whisky-producing regions receiving the same level of recognition from UNESCO as Champagne and Burgundy in France.”

Scotland has six whisky regions: Speyside, Islay, Campbeltown, Highlands, Islands and Lowlands.