David Beckham has described Inverness as “ridiculously beautiful” after he spent time in the Highlands filming an advert for a new whisky he helped to create.
The superstar described the city as “one of the most beautiful places I have ever been” as the television advert for new single grain Scotch whisky Haig Club was launched.
The former England, Manchester United and Real Madrid footballer said: “I have spent quite a lot of time in Scotland but never been to this part of it, so I was excited about this.”
The advert, which airs for the first time today, weaves together a series of journeys made by a group of friends heading towards an estate in Glen Affric to share a weekend together, culminating in them sharing a celebratory toast.
Filmed over four days, with some shots taken on Skye, it is directed by British filmmaker Guy Ritchie who makes a cameo appearance as a fisherman.
Beckham said: “I love the tradition of toasting, it’s something I always do with friends and family.
“Working with Guy to bring this tradition to life in a new way has been so rewarding. Haig Club has always been about friends coming together and that’s what we wanted to reflect with the advert. It’s as simple as that.”
Ritchie added: “This project had so many elements that I find appealing; it’s a film about good mates having an adventure and coming together for a celebration.
“It’s set in the Highlands of Scotland, one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited. David is a good friend and we had a lot of fun making this together.”
It comes after the retired footballer celebrated the global launch earlier this month of the drink from Diageo, which is made at Scotland’s oldest grain whisky distillery – Cameronbridge, in Fife.
Beckham was joined by his wife Victoria at Gilmerton House in North Berwick, East Lothian, for a private dinner to toast its launch.