THE duty freeze on Scotch whisky in the UK budget has been welcomed by a West Scotland MSP.

Conservative Jamie Greene says the move from the UK Government will be a major boost to whisky distillers locally as they aim to recover from the pandemic.

It follows a five-year suspension of tariffs being imposed on whisky exports to the USA being agreed in June.

Mr Greene added that freezing duty is a major show of confidence in the industry.

He said: “This is a major boost for the whisky industry in North Ayrshire and Arran that has been delivered by the chancellor.

“The UK Government’s budget has ensured that local distillers will benefit from a freeze as they strive to recover from the pandemic.

"It is another welcome development following the deal this year to suspend tariffs on whisky exports to the USA."