A leading independent Scotch whisky distiller has voiced his fears that today’s Budget could include a further rise in spirits duty.

William Weymss, director of Fife-based Kingsbarns Distillery , said a hike would heap more pressure on an industry already reeling from a global downturn in demand and the impact of US tariffs.

The Scotch Whisky Association has been campaigning strongly over recent weeks for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to freeze duty in today’s Budget. The Chancellor increased duty on non-draught alcoholic drinks in line with the retail prices index rate of inflation in last year’s Budget. Taking effect from February this year, this amounted to a 3.65% duty rise on Scotch whisky, on top of a 10.1% hike in spirits tax put through by the Conservative government in August 2

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