MICHAEL Heads, of Islay's Ardbeg Distillery, has been named global distillery manager of the year at the prestigious World Whisky Awards in London.

Mr Heads, who beat finalists from around the world, was singled out for his commitment to providing consistently exceptional whisky.

The Islay native said: "I am delighted, not only for me but for the distillery, as you cannot win awards without a team of great people around you, and here at Ardbeg we have that in abundance."