IAN Macleod Distillers, the drinks-maker and bottler, has purchased Tamdhu distillery in Speyside from the Edrington Group for an undisclosed sum, it emerged yesterday.

The Broxburn-based company, which also produces McGilligan’s Irish Whiskey, Trawler Rum, London Hill Gin and Isle of Skye whisky, acquired Glengoyne distillery, the producer of one of only a small number of unpeated single malt Scotch whiskies, from Edrington in 2003.

Established in 1897, Tamdhu’s distillation capacity of four million litres of alcohol per year will support the continued growth of Ian Macleod’s existing brands, which also include Lang’s and the King Robert II blends.

The Tamdhu Single Malt brand is also included in the sale, and Ian Macleod Distillers plans to significantly develop its sales both within the UK and abroad.

Leonard Russell, pictured, the managing director and the third generation to run family-owned Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “Having purchased Glengoyne Distillery from Edrington in 2003, we are delighted to be acquiring a second distillery from them, safe in the knowledge that it has been maintained to a very high standard and comes with a reputation for producing exceptional quality single malt.

“I am also pleased that we will be securing and creating new local employment during these uncertain economic times.

“We are looking forward to developing the Tamdhu single malt following our successful growth of Glengoyne.”

Since purchasing Glengoyne, Ian Macleod has more than doubled sales of the unpeated single malt.

Earlier this year, Ian Maclead posted a 40% rise in profits and 20% surge in export sales of Glengoyne.

The company has also built four additional maturation warehouses, capable of housing up to 5 million litres and has invested in the visitor experience with renovations and improvements increasing visitor numbers to nearly 50,000.

The purchase of Tamdhu Distillery was concluded on Tuesday.