WHISKY giant Chivas Brothers has confirmed it is to close its iconic Paisley site within the next three years.

Pernod Ricard, the French company which owns the whisky brand, announced in November its intention to invest in a new state-of-the-art facility at its Kilmalid site, in Dumbarton, by 2019.

The consultation process has now come to an end, with the first phase of implementation set to begin in the coming weeks.

Around 450 workers are employed at the Paisley site and Chivas has pledged that staff will be offered the chance to move to the Dumbarton plant.

However, Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan said he is disappointed that Chivas is abandoning the company's “long and successful history” in Paisley.

He added: “The news that permanent workers at the Paisley site will still have jobs is obviously welcome but no-one should be in any doubt that Chivas’s move will impact workers, their families and the wider community.

“Everyone impacted by the firm’s decision can be assured, however, that Renfrewshire Council will do everything we can for the workforce and to encourage the creation of new jobs within our area.

“It is important to be clear that Paisley and Renfrewshire as a whole have a very promising future. Our Invest in Renfrewshire programme has attracted the support of hundreds of businesses and organisations and is helping to drive down the rate of youth unemployment.

“This area’s long-term economic future will be secured by the major infrastructure projects funded by the Glasgow City Region City Deal, which will attract investment and jobs by placing our communities at the heart of a world-class commercial location.”

Chivas said their £40million restructuring plans will provide a more “integrated and engaging environment" for all employees.

The plans were announced following an extensive review of the company’s current operations.

The transfer of activities from the Renfrew Road site to Kilmalid is set to start in 2018.

And it is expected that the transfer of staff from Paisley to Dumbarton will be completed by the end of 2019.

Chivas insist the plans are “a sign of confidence in the future of Scotch whisky.”