A leading SNP MP has dismissed allegations that he put pressure on whisky industry bosses to remain silent in the debate over Scotland’s future.
The claims against the SNP’s Angus Robertson, MP for Moray and the party’s group leader at Westminster, were made in a television documentary due to air last night.
Gavin Hewitt, former chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said that he or senior members of his staff had met Mr Robertson on at least six occasions over the past two years.
“He and the SNP have regularly tried to get the message to the Scotch Whisky Association that the industry should stay out of the independence debate,” Mr Hewitt told the programme.
“He was, I think, trying to neuter business comment. There was a genuine fear that in fact if we were seen to scupper by coming out publicly against independence, there would be retribution down the track.”
Mr Robertson denied the claims.
“I totally refute the allegations, especially given that both Gavin Hewitt and his successor Peter Frost have both said to me that they don’t take a position on constitutional issues,” he said.
“Mr Hewitt publicly endorsed the case for a No vote last month, which of course he is perfectly entitled to do.
“As the MP representing more than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries I work hard to promote the industry and its heartland producing region Speyside, as well as liaising with the Scotch Whisky Association on industry regulation and taxation.”
The MP said he had met Mr Hewitt and other Scotch Whisky Association officials at several events, but had “never had a private unaccompanied meeting” with him.
He added: “What is a matter for me, and what I am very clear about, is that there is nothing in my conduct which answers to Mr Hewitt’s description.”