SCOTCH WHISKY enjoyed a strong year for exports in 2018, with global growth by both value and volume.

According to the latest figures from HMRC, the export value of Scotch Whisky grew by 7.8%, to a record £4.7billion. The number of 70cl bottles exported also reached record levels growing to the equivalent of 1.28bn, up by 3.6%.

Welcoming the news Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “I’m sure that many people in Scotland will join me in raising a glass to another record-breaking year for Scotch Whisky.

“It’s an industry that, despite having been established for centuries, has still gone from strength to strength in recent years, thanks in part to the determination from the Scottish Government and the industry to work together, in order to create a national brand with a global reputation. Thanks to that success abroad, Whisky is a major employer in Scotland.

“Of course Brexit continues to threaten that progress, particularly in relation to the European market which accounts for 30% of our exports. But we are doing what we can to support the sector against growing uncertainty, and ensure it remains one of the biggest contributors to Scotland’s economy.”