Scotch Whisky Association welcomes 'stability' after nation rejects independence

By Ben BOUCKLEY

- Last updated on GMT

Voting for the Scottish Referendum took place on September 18 2014, and the final result was announced this morning
Voting for the Scottish Referendum took place on September 18 2014, and the final result was announced this morning

Related tags Scotch whisky industry Scotch whisky association United kingdom Scotland

Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) CEO David Frost has welcomed the 'stability' that a 'No' vote will ensure after the Scottish people voted to reject independence from the rest of the UK.

The hard-thought campaign leading-up to yesterday's independence vote was thought to be poised on a knife edge, but in the end Scots voted in favor of retaining the nation's 307 year-old union with the rest of the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland and Wales) by 55% to 45%.

Beyond pressing the 'Yes' campaign over concerns that independence risked harming the status of Scotch whisky and its lucrative export sales, the SWA (its members include Diageo, Beam Suntory and William Grant & Sons) has avoided taking sides in the debate.

David Frost said this morning: "The people of Scotland have made a historic choice against the background of the most profound national debate. 

"We welcome the stability that this choice brings and now urge politicians of all parties to work to bring our country together.​"

Frost said the referendum debate showed the need for government and business to collaborate to address long-term economic challenges.

"We will be looking closely at plans for further devolution within this context. There must now be a renewed focus on improving the business environment so that Scotland's economy can grow to everyone's benefit,"​ Frost said.

"The Scotch whisky industry is determined to play a leading role in shaping discussions that are fundamental to the future success of our industry and our nation."

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