The whisky industry in Moray is being used to attract tourism across the region as part of a new initiative.
The Malt Whisky Trail was re-launched last night at Glenlivet Distillery in a ceremony.
It is hoped the new look for the trail will reawaken it as a “sleeping giant” and bring more visitors to other areas.
Chairman James Johnston said: “What we are looking to do is encourage a spectrum of people to come to Moray. There is something here that anyone would want to see.
“If they choose to visit for malt whisky then there are also other things along the way for people who might be interested in other things, whether it’s Knockando Woolmill or Johnstons of Elgin.
“In the past people have been worried about visitors going to different areas. The whole idea of this is so that people aren’t worried about other areas but just interested in attracting them to Moray.
“Obviously the area is known for its malt whisky but it is so much more.”
The tourism industry in the region has been valued at up to £90million a year. Some of the attractions in Moray feature in the new logo for the trail that was unveiled last night.
Peaked roofs of distilleries mark a circle like a compass with other drawings including wildlife, woodland and historic buildings.
Mr Johnston said: “A lot of people see the brown tourist signs by the side of the road but find there isn’t a lot of information to go with them.
“We want to integrate them with an online presence so visitors can find out more. This will give the trail and edgy, modern, new look.”
A new website for the trail will be launched at the end of June. The partner members of the group include eight distilleries and the Speyside Cooperage.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead welcomed the project and said: “Speyside and Moray are famous world-wide for being home to more than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries and it is great to see such a major initiative promote the area as the malt whisky capital and much more.
“I’m hopeful that the re-branding will attract even more people to our unique corner of Scotland.”
