In the current climate, it is arguably difficult for business leaders to focus on the long-term, but as Scott Wright discovers in this week's Monday Interview, it's in the nature of whisky companies such as Gordon & MacPhail to prepare the ground for future generations.

Following a brief delay with the imposition of lockdown in March, the company is now overseeing the construction a new distillery in the heart of Speyside at Craggan. It is the second distillery in Speyside to be developed by the venerable whisky merchant, following its successful acquisition of Benromach in Forres in 1993, with the investment central to the long-term planning that underpins the approach of the now 125-year-old business.

In Mark WIlliamson's SME Focus, David Scott of Sandbaggers Expeditions explains how a year spent on a pearl oyster diving boat led him to set up his own business in expedition and adventure planning. Set up in 2004, the Glasgow firm has allowed Mr Scott to turn his love for adventure, travel and the outdoors into a way to make a living.

In Business Voices, Guy Stenhouse explains why the debate about Scottish independence needs to start with honesty.

See Monday's Herald business section print and online editons for the full articles.

READ MORE: New Erina's Kitchen restaurant for Glasgow Silverburn | Aberdeen oil services firm to create jobs following buyout | Major Scottish council to charge for planning advice for first time

Diary:

Monday September 14

Finals: MJ Gleeson, City of London Investment Group.

Interims: Greencoat Renewables, Costain Group.

Tuesday September 15

Interims: Smart Metering Systems, Bonhill Group, Trinity Exploration & Production.

Trading updates: Ocado Group.

AGMs: Halfords, FisrtGroup.

ONS: Claimant count rate, Unemployment rate.

Wednesday September 16

Interims: Advanced Medical Solutions Group.

ONS: Consumer Price Index, Retail Price Index, Producer Price Index.

Thursday September 17

Finals: Clinigen.

Interims: Next, Hilton Food Group.

Bank of England: Interest rate decision.

Friday September 18

ONS: Retail sales.

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