CAMPAIGNERS are urging drinks giant Diageo to build a new bottling plant in a bid to save hundreds of jobs.

CAMPAIGNERS are urging drinks giant Diageo to build a new bottling plant in a bid to save hundreds of jobs.

A business plan commissioned by Scottish Enterprise proposes creating a smaller bottling plant in Kilmarnock, where Diageo plans to axe its existing plant.

The £75,000 move would safeguard around 400 jobs and preserve the link between the Ayrshire town and the firm's famous Johnnie Walker brand.

Under current plans, the Kilmarnock plant and the Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow would close, shedding 900 jobs.

Bosses at the firm say it will create 400 new posts at its plant in Leven, Fife, and that the closures are vital for the long-term survival of the company, which employs more than 4000 people in Scotland.

Campaigners fear Diageo will reject the new plans drawn up by BDO Stoy Hayward after it already refused all other options for new sites in the town.

Finance secretary John Swinney is set to review the new business plan later this week when he chairs a meeting of the taskforce of politicians and unions set up to oppose the closures.

A Scottish government spokesman said: "The meeting will be the key next step in the response to Diageo's unacceptable proposals. The main items for discussion will be the independent consultants' report and the development by the taskforce of alternative proposals."

Opposition groups say a new green-field site in Kilmarnock could be made almost as cost-effective for Diageo as a new build in Leven, but means it would keep three bottling plants in Scotland when it wants to have only two.

Meanwhile, Diageo is going to court alleging new Sainsbury's drink Pitcher's infringes rights concerning its Pimm's brand.