WORKERS at the world’s biggest Scotch bottling plant raised a glass to Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 with specially-produced bottles of Johnnie Walker whisky.
Members of the team behind the Paisley 2021 bid – to be lodged with the UK Government this week – visited the Renfrewshire base of drinks giant Diageo.
Aside from the limited edition bottles, Diageo are one of a number of major local businesses who have agreed to donate £20,000 to meet the costs of hosting the title.
The company’s packaging plant at Shieldhall bottles more than 25 million cases of Scotch whisky annually.
The Paisley 2021 Johnnie Walker bottles are not currently available to the public, but a small limited edition will have been produced at a later date.
Gavin Brogan, operations director at Diageo Shieldhall, said: “Paisley is famous for its rich history of craftsmanship.
“Today we are part of that living heritage, making the most traditional of Scottish products, Scotch whisky, here in Renfrewshire. We’re delighted to support Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021 and we wish the team every success.”
Paisley 2021 bid director Jean Cameron said: “I loved seeing two iconic global Scottish brands – the Paisley Pattern and Johnnie Walker – combined in one beautiful bottle.
“Paisley’s bid has had incredible backing to date from across the local community – so far, more than 30,000 people have taken part in the conversation around it.”
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