Crunch talks to try and safeguard hundreds of whisky jobs are due to be held.

Politicians, unions and councils will come together to put forward the strongest case against plans by drinks company Diageo.

The drinks firm wants to shut its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow, putting 900 jobs at risk.

Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney will lead the talks at ministerial headquarters in Edinburgh.

He said: “Ever since Diageo’s announcement was made almost two weeks ago, there has been a massive feeling of disappointment.

“With Diageo committed to holding a proper consultation on their proposals, the message they will receive loud and clear is that these proposals and their consequences are simply not acceptable.”

The meeting is expected to involve Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow and East Ayrshire councils, Unite and GMB unions, MPs, MSPs and the Scottish Government.

Mr Swinney has called for financial information behind Diageo’s original decision.

He added: “This evening’s talks are a significant step in the right direction and I am committed to working constructively with all those present to finding the right solution for employees of Diageo and their communities.”

An earlier meeting over the potential job losses will be held in Glasgow with local SNP MSP Bob Doris, union reps and Scottish Enterprise.

From the Press Association http://www.pressassociation.com/