Guinness to Smirnoff owner Diageo today unveiled plans to invest £1 billion sterling in Scotch whisky production over the next five years.
Diageo produces Scotch brands Bells, J&B and Johnnie Walker among others.
It said it plans to build a major new distillery and expand a number of its existing 28 distilleries. The company will also create new warehouse space under the plans.
It said the proposals would create 100 Diageo jobs, 250 construction roles and up to 500 jobss from the "knock-on effect" on the Scottish economy.
"Scotch whisky is a significant manufacturing export industry in the UK, driving investment and job creation through our success in exporting to high growth markets around the world," commented Diageo chief executive's Paul Walsh.
