The boss of the Tomatin Distillery has been inducted into a prestigious group recognising contribution to the whisky industry.
Chief executive Robert Anderson was inducted into The Keepers of the Quaich, an invitation-only group, at a ceremony at Blair Castle in Pitlochry.
The boss of the distillery, which is 16 miles south of Inverness and 15 miles north of Aviemore on the A9, was recognised for his near 27-year career. Mr Anderson joined Tomatin in 1988 as an accountant and became took the top job in 2010.
The distillery has been making whisky since 1897. It has been owned by Japanese conglomerate Takara, since 1986.
Mr Anderson said: “I am honoured to have been invited to be part of this prestigious society as recognition for my years dedicated to the industry and in particular being tasked with improving the fortunes of the company over the last five years.
“Through the magnificent efforts of the whole team in bringing the Tomatin brand to the attention of the wider market place, we are supporting the broader aims of the society itself and ultimately the continuing success of the industry as a whole.”
The dignified ceremony welcomed Mr Anderson was well as 42 other new members from 19 countries, taking the total to 2,457 Keepers of the Quaich worldwide.
The society takes its name from the traditional two handed drinking bowl which is described in the ancient Gaelic language of Scotland as a ‘cuach’; a vessel long associated with friendship and the drinking of Scotch whisky.