Thousands protest against job cuts

Thousands marched through the town of Kilmarnock over potential job losses

An estimated 20,000 people have marched in the streets of Ayrshire to protest against plans to axe 900 whisky jobs.

Thousands of people marched through Kilmarnock, where Johnnie Walker whisky is bottled.

Drinks giant Diageo has announced plans to close the plant there, along with its Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow, putting 900 jobs at risk.

Workers at the plants joined politicians, union chiefs and former members of staff and others to take part in a protest against the closures.

Footballers from Kilmarnock FC also joined in the demonstration, which ended with a rally in the town's Kay Park.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said: "This is the first time I can remember the entire football team squad demonstrating with the local community in support of a workforce under pressure."

Mr Salmond and Labour's Des Browne, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, were among the politicians who addressed the crowd.

The First Minister said: "The tens of thousands at the demonstration in Kilmarnock is a demonstration of the absolute willing and determination in this town and this community to keep Johnnie Walker in this community.

"So let's have no more nonsense from anyone that these proposals are in any way socially acceptable to the people of Scotland."

Mr Salmond said politicians from all parties had come together with trade union leaders and others to form a "mighty coalition" against the plans.