Wendy Alexander has toasted Diageo’s success as the drinks giant prepares for a record-breaking festive season.

 Production at the company’s Blythswood facility is up 10% on last year’s figures, with the plant handling 16 000 casks of whisky per week.    Top brands such as Johnnie Walker, Bell’s and J & B are matured in Renfrew before being exported throughout the world. The plant employs 70 people and holds 7 million litres of spirits.    After touring the facility and meeting staff, Ms Alexander said: “Diageo is a thriving, local success story. The record level of production at the plant is testimony to the efforts of its hard-working staff.    “It’s wonderful to have a global brand with operations in Renfrew. It provides jobs for local people, boosts the economy and puts Renfrewshire on the map as a great place to do business.”