A Moray whisky distillery is toasting the latest step in a project designed to regenerate the wildlife of the River Spey.
The Speyburn malthouse at Rothes teamed up with conservation group, the Spey Foundation, to devise ways of increasing fish numbers along the waterway two years ago.
The latest aspect of the project is the creation of a fish pass at the Granty burn, a tributary of the river.
It is hoped it will help trout and salmon populations blossom by removing obstacles in the river that prevent them from spawning.
Yesterday representatives from both the Speyburn malthouse and the Spey Foundation hailed the scheme.
The distillery’s Mark Steven said: “Our second project with the Spey Foundation is one which is very close to our heart, and we are delighted that it is now complete.
“The clear, soft waters of the Granty burn are integral to our award-winning single malt whisky, so we are naturally proud to fund a scheme which benefits the river, its wildlife and the surrounding area.”
Spey Foundation biologist Brian Shaw added: “The Spey Foundation continues to play a vital role in conserving the Spey burns and surrounding wildlife, and we have found our perfect partner in Speyburn.”