A “forgotten hero” who helped shape Scotland’s whisky industry will be remembered during an upcoming celebration of the national drink.
Edward Alexander was a “classic Victorian man of action” who transformed Speyside into a haven for malt manufacturing.
He was responsible for some of the region’s most popular plants, which lure in thousands of visitors every year.
Mr Alexander was born in 1864 and entered the trade when he inherited the Ben Rinnes distillery at Aberlour from his father.
While still in his 30s, Mr Alexander helped establish the Craigellachie Distillery with Peter Mackie.
Upon noticing the influx of tourists to the region, he started to build villas in the village and subsequently created the Craigellachie Hotel.
His vision has been credited with developing the region into a destination for tourists eager to glimpse the whisky-making process.
The pioneer later built the Aultmore distillery, near Keith, and helped fund the construction of Benromach and Dallas Dhu at Forres.
His story will be brought to life by writer Dave Broom during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival later this month.
Mr Broom said: “Alexander Edward was a classic Victorian man of action, how can such a legacy be forgotten?
“There can be no doubt that his distilleries and hotels helped to establish Speyside as Scotland’s pre-eminent whisky region.
“With the building of the hotel he can lay claim to be the first to see the potential for high-class tourism to the area.”
The talk will take place at the Craigellachie Hotel on April 28, and more details are available at www.spiritofspeyside.com