HARVIESTOUN Brewery is to increase its workforce and launch a new range of beers in the new year.

The Alva-based craft brewer, which currently employs 19, plans to recruit a further six staff, following a 30% rise in its staff numbers during 2012.

It follows the opening of an 11,000-square feet warehouse and office with funding from Clydesdale Bank's business banking centre at Stirling.

The company was established more than 30 years ago and since a change of ownership in 2008 has increased international turnover from 2% to 20%, and now exports to 21 countries including key markets in Scandinavia, North America and Brazil. Harviestoun prides itself on being self-contained, not brewing for third parties, nor having any of its beers brewed off site.

Chris Miller, managing director, said 2012 promised to be "an exciting year", adding: "Our ethos has always been to be recognised as the best rather than one of the biggest mass producers."

Stuart McCallum, at Clydesdale Bank, said: "We believe Harviestoun Brewery is a leader in modern craft brewing."