More than 20,000 people joined a march and rally in Kilmarnock in the latest step of a campaign to try and force the company to reconsider. Among those present were Alex Salmond, the First Minister, and Des Browne, the former Scottish Secretary, who said that the protest showed Diageo had "got it wrong". The firm has announced that it will close the plant in the town, which has been linked with Johnnie Walker since 1820, with the loss of 700 jobs. A further 200 jobs are to go with the closure of its distillery in Port Dundas, Glasgow, although 400 new jobs would be created at a packaging plant in Fife. Mr Browne, the Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP, told protesters that he hoped Diageo take a message from the protest. "That message is: You have got it wrong. You must understand that. You must do the right thing. You must agree an alternative plan that respects your workers and allows them to keep their jobs," he said. "Your company's greatest asset is its people, its loyal and dedicated workforce. You seem to have forgotten that you don't own Johnnie Walker. The people of Kilmarnock do. He is one of us. "If you are in any doubt, look at this assembled crowd - tens of thousands of people, employees, their families, their friends and those who stand in solidarity with them." Speaking after the rally, Mr Salmond said: "Today's march and rally demonstrated that the people of Scotland stand behind Kilmarnock and the campaign to keep Diageo in the town." The protest through the streets of Kilmarnock was organised by East Ayrshire Council. Among those who also attended were Annabel Goldie, the Scottish Tory leader, Ross Finnie, a Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP, and Michael Johnston, Kilmarnock Football Club chairman. The rally at the town's Kay Park was compered by comedian and TV personality Hardeep Singh Kohli and featured a performance by Hue and Cry. The campaign has attracted celebrity support, including singer Eddi Reader, The Proclaimers and Kilmarnock-based actor Gregor Fisher. Diageo has promised to listen to alternatives to the closure plan, which will save £20million, but only if they meet the firm's financial objectives. Mr Salmond will present a business case to the company's bosses next month and has refused to rule out using taxpayers' money to keep the plants open. Meanwhile, the closures are due to be debated at Holyrood after MSPs return from their summer holidays in September.More than 20,000 take to streets to protest Johnnie Walker plant closure
Thousands of people took to the streets yesterday (sun) to protest a decision by Diageo, the drinks giant, to shuts its Johnnie Walker bottling plant.
Monday, 27 July 2009
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