Some of Moray’s most stunning architecture will be highlighted during a celebration of the region’s whisky industry next year.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival will take place over late April and early May, bringing thousands of tourists from across the globe to the region’s various distilleries.
This year, to help mark a national initiative focussing on Scotland’s architecture, the festival will pay special tribute to some of the distinctive buildings Moray’s malt is crafted in.
The range of venues featured in the programme range from 18th century malthouses to modern production facilities built within the last year.
Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, will shine a light on some of the country’s proudest structures throughout 2016.
Festival chairman James Campbell believes the whisky event will provide a perfect platform to showcase some of Moray’s most unique designs.
He said: “From the bold, innovative moves of illicit distillers who pioneered production to the world famous architectural design of the pagoda which has become a hallmark of Speyside’s distilleries, whisky would not be the multi-billion pound industry it is without these innovators.
“This amalgamation of heritage and innovation is what makes Speyside whisky so unique, and we look forward to sharing our traditions with visitors to the festival.”
Tourism bosses have hailed the variety of venues Moray’s whisky trail features as a key factor in drawing visitors to the area.
VisitScotland’s director of events, Paul Bush, said: “Whisky production in Scotland embraces creativity and innovation to supply global demand.
“This fits perfectly with the theme of innovation architecture and design.”
The festival will take participants on a tour of the region’s oldest and newest malt plants, from the Strathisla base which was established in 1789 to the Dalmunach distillery which was opened by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in July.
The 17th annual festival will run from Thursday, April 28, to Monday, May 2 and will feature more than 400 events at venues throughout Speyside and the surrounding area.
As well as open days at distilleries, the festival involves entertainment events, crafting and cookery sessions and scenic outings.
Information about the 2016 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival can be found at www.spiritofspeyside.com, where tickets will be on sale from early February.