ENGINEERS across three Speyside whisky distilleries, including the world-famous Macallan, will launch strike action from next week.

GMB members at the sites owned by the Edrington Group will walk out for seven days from Monday November 10, and plan to take another 22 days of action over the coming three months amid an ongoing rota dispute.

The dozen workers affected voted 100 per cent in favour of action to repel management plans which they argue will see them work more days for less money.

GMB Scotland organiser in the Highlands, Lesley-Anne MacAskill, said: “The unanimous support for action is only one indication of how badly managers have handled this issue and the determination of workers to find a fairer way forward.

“Our members have engaged with negotiations but every one of their constructive suggestions for alternative rotas were summarily rejected.

“This is a small team of skilled workers critical to the successful operation of these distilleries and their expert voice should be heard and heeded.”

A spokeswoman for Edrington said: “We are deeply disappointed that the GMB ballot has chosen to take industrial action.”