A new award scheme has been launched to promote the growing range of high quality gins produced in Scotland.
The Scottish Gin Awards, sponsored by the Scottish Gin Society, aims to to reward achievements in gin distilling.
Scotland now produces more than 70% of the gin consumed in the UK and exports are predicted to outsell whisky by 2020.
Gin-making is enjoying buoyant times north of the border, with new distilleries springing up across the country to take advantage of growing demand for the spirit.
An independent judging panel, including some of the foremost gin experts in the UK, will gather later this year to decide the winners in 12 categories covering business achievements and taste.
Stephen White, founder of the free-to-enter contest, said: “The Scottish Gin Awards will give Scottish producers a fantastic opportunity for further business growth at a national and international level.
“Gin exports are at an all-time high and predicted to increase further, so winning one of these awards will give Scottish gins further distinction and positive sales advantage.”
Awards judge Geraldine Coates, founder of the GinTime website, said: “This is a terrific idea which will really help to identify and reward hard working Scottish distillers.
“I would encourage all gin companies which are eligible to enter to come forward and take advantage of the many opportunities this competition will bring.”