A new Scottish gin trail has been launched to celebrate the drink that ministers hope could become as popular as whisky.
The map showcasing 12 of Scotland’s best craft distilleries, bars and landmarks has been released to coincide with Burns Night, with visitors encouraged to mark the occasion with gin rather than the traditional whisky.
About 70% of the UK’s gin is produced in Scotland and international exports are booming, up 37% in the past five years with sales to 139 countries.
More than two-thirds of the gin distilled in the UK now goes to overseas drinkers, with gin bringing £1.76 billion to the economy.
The number of UK gin brands has also more than doubled since 2010 from 31 to 73, with new brands often using locally-sourced ingredients and natural botanicals.
The new Scottish trail has been put together by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), with the support of the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and was launched at the Edinburgh Gin Distillery in the heart of the capital.
From Shetland Reel Gin on the UK’s most northerly inhabited island of Unst, the trail winds its way south to craft distilleries in the Highlands, Fife and the central belt.
Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said the trail captured the “variety and diversity” of UK-gin-making.
She added: “I want to harness the ambition of our Scottish gin-trepreneurs, helping them to grow the UK’s reputation for quality gin both here and abroad.
“I want to see it up there with Scotch whisky in terms of global sales.”
WSTA chief executive Miles Beale said: “This is a hugely exciting time for everyone involved in the UK gin industry and our gin trail is the start of a fascinating venture to share the origins, art and innovations involved in producing this Great British spirit.”