Diageo threatens 172 jobs at Scottish whisky distilleries amid restructuring

Diageo's UK restructuring programme puts 172 employees at risk across its Highlands and Islands whisky distilleries, with 38 positions potentially lost. The sites affected include Cardhu, Cragganmore and Dufftown in Moray, as well as other Speyside and island operations.

The GMB Scotland union has rejected the four‑week consultation, calling it a “box‑ticking exercise” and saying its proposals for voluntary redundancy and job‑sharing were ignored. Scottish National Party MSP Laura Mitchell, who represents Moray, has asked for urgent meetings with Diageo and union representatives to discuss the impact on staff and the wider rural economy.

Diageo maintains that no final decisions have been made, noting that the restructuring was announced in its February interim results and that shareholders will receive an update at a Capital Markets Day on 6 August.