The original expectations were to increase the industry value to £5.1 billion by 2017. A figure which was already surpassed six years ago. Whiskey, the main product for Scotland in the industry, in 2011 was worth an estimated £4.23 billion (a 23% rise on 2010).
Our exports have seen a major rise. France is up 18%, with £825 million. The USA is up 30%, with £726 million. Exports in Asia have seen a large rise of 44%, Singapore totals £319 million, and China totals £92 million.
What this demonstrates is the strength and ingenuity of the Scottish people & economy even in hard times when the British economy is falling further into recession, economic output is severely flat-lining, and budget deficit reductions are doing virtually nothing to help our total debt of £1 trillion. This recent growth in the Scottish economy however will do nothing to benefit Scotland if the revenues are just going into subsidising a failing economic policy that is dragging the country further into recession.
With independence, (you knew this was coming) Scotland could have full control over all its economic levers and ensure fully that growths in our economy can go back into benefiting the Scottish economy, and not into the pockets of Westminster. It is a well-known fact that Scotland contributes more to the union than we get in return. The GERS report (Government Expenditure & Revenues Scotland) concluded that we have 8.4% of the UK population, contribute 9.6% of the tax revenues,(not counting and receive 9.3% of government spending.
With all revenues from the Scottish economy going back into the Scottish economy, we could multiply the growth we have seen under the status quo exponentially.
It is preposterous to state that a government which Scotland did not vote for, who has a completely different political standing from the vast majority of Scottish voters, and is London-centric in its policies can deliver an economic plan for Scotland which will fully ensure that our economy properly grows.
A detailed breakdown of the revenues from foreign exports is provided here:
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