Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris will this week meet with Diageo to discuss the proposed closure of the Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow with the potential loss of 200 jobs.

Bob Doris and his Kilmarnock colleague Willie Coffey are campaigning to reverse Diageo's decision to shut facilities in Scotland with a loss of 900 jobs.

The meeting follows comments in the Sunday Times from Diageo Scotland's managing director that Diageo could move bottling facilities out of Scotland.

Speaking in the Sunday Times Brian Donaghey said: "Scotch has to be distilled and matured in Scotland but it doesn't have to be bottled in Scotland."

Mr Doris said: "The public response to these job losses has been overwhelming - yet it seems there is still more to do before Diageo get the message.

"As Brian Donaghey acknowledges a large part of Whisky's value comes from it's Scotch heritage.  To throw away first the local heritage and then to suggest bottling whisky overseas will do Diageo more harm than good.

"I will be meeting Diageo this week to put the case for Port Dundas to remain open and to ensure those working at Port Dundas receive proper treatment from the company.

"It is vital that in Glasgow as in Kilmarnock the battle to keep Diageo jobs is fought as a united front with all parties, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and the Local council working together for Glasgow's and Scotland's jobs."

SNP MSP Willie Coffey whose petition against the closure of Johnnie Walker has received over 2000 signatures online with atleast a further 2000 connected in Kilmarnock itself said;

"The response from the public in Kilmarnock and across the country has been tremendous.

"It is ludicrous that Diageo are talking about the possibility of moving other facilities out of Scotland, when Whisky and Scotland are so intrinsically linked.  This is not just any other product that can be produced anywhere."