Produced by Verso Economics of Kirkcaldy the report's executive summary says that Scotch Whisky contributes £2.7 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to Scotland’s economy.

• The industry employs over 10,000 workers,
with a total gross income of £464m;
• The wider economic footprint supports
around 35,000 jobs and nearly £3.9bn
GVA (direct, indirect and induced impact);
• Whisky producers’ spending on Scottish
suppliers increased 61% from 2000 to 2008 rising to £1.1bn;
• Employees are three times as productive as London’s business and finance workers, and six times the Scottish average;
• Scotch Whisky’s impact is 60% higher than Scotland’s creative sector GVA (including television, radio, publishing, film and software) and is similar to tourism.

Gavin Hewitt, (left) CEO of the SWA, said  the study confirmed whisky was a cornerstone of the Scottish economy. "The new UK government wants to support manufacturing and exporters, and build a fairer tax system," he said.

"It could combine all three objectives by reforming an unfair duty regime which undermines the competitiveness of the Scotch whisky industry."