Web boycott campaign targets Scotch

The release from Scotland of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi has prompted an internet boycott campaign targeting Scotch whisky.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has indicated that it is taking the web campaign seriously.

A website, boycottscotland.com has been set up and advocates a boycott of Scotch whiskies in favour of Canadian and Irish whiskies.

Scotch sales in the United States have already been hit by recession. Exports fell by 11% in 2008 to £372m ($612m), according to figures from the SWA.

The website states: "Many (visitors) have advocated avoiding Scotch whisky and opting for American, Canadian, or Irish whiskies."

Americans were incensed when the Scottish Government decided to release the Lockerbie bomber on compassionate grounds due to al-Megrahi's terminal prostate cancer.

Chicago Now blogger, Denis Byrne, also advocated a boycott of Scotch: "Since I don't drink Scotch whiskey - Scotland's second biggest source of revenues after tourism - I can't very well express my loathing by not buying it anymore. But I would suggest that those who have some around the house dump it down the toilet where it belongs."

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