Jackie Baillie MSP has welcomed the news that a case against Diageo regarding whisky black has been allowed to proceed to the next stage at the Court of Sessions. This test case has been brought by a couple from Bonnybridge who claim that the ‘angel’s share’ of evaporated alcohol from a whisky bond has blighted their property. The couple have secured a ruling allowing them to proceed to the next stage of their case against Diageo.

The MSP has said that this is good news for many residents in Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven who have long been concerned that whisky black from the many local whisky production and storage facilities is having an effect on their homes.

Jackie has been pursuing the matter for a number of years with local residents, meeting with Chivas and the Scotch Whisky Association and has previously organised a meeting with the lawyer who is pursuing the case for the couple in Bonnybridge.

Jackie said:

“This is good news for people in Dumbarton East and parts of the Vale of Leven. This sets the bar for whisky companies and proves that they must take the concerns of neighbours seriously.

“I am delighted that the judge has allowed the case to go to an evidential hearing and I hope that whisky companies will now pay attention.

“I remain in contact with the lawyer pursuing this case and will continue to monitor proceedings in the hope that this can set a precedent for future cases to be brought forward.

“It’s time that whisky companies took responsibility for the effect that whisky black can have on the homes of their neighbours.”