KILCHOMAN Distillery Company, Islay's "barley to bottle" whisky producer, has acquired a farm on its native island in a move to safeguard future grain supplies.

The distillery, which was the first to open on Islay in 124 years when its first spirit flowed in 2005, has agreed to buy Rockside Farm from Mark and Rohaise French. The couple are selling up after more than 30 years on Islay to pursue opportunities beyond the island.

Kilchoman managing director Anthony Will said: "We have always been proud to produce whisky from barley to bottle and the purchase of Rockside Farm secures this vision for the future".

Rockside Farm will run as normal until it changes hands at the end of November.