The maker of Shetland Reel Gin has set out plans for future product development with the appointment of a graduate in brewing and distilling to spearhead a range of new products.

Marc Watson, who studied at Heriot-Watt University, has joined Shetland Distillery Company, bringing to two the number of full-time employees at firm. Based on the former RAF Saxa Vord base, it also has one part-time employee in addition to managing director Stuart Nickerson, a spirits industry specialist, and director Debbie Strang, who leads the company’s marketing drive.

Mr Watson, 26, whose undergraduate thesis was on gin, said the appeal of working for a small company and learning about all aspects of the business was strong.

"Marc’s appointment signals the ambitions the distillery has for growth,” said Mr Nickerson. “With Marc bringing his technical expertise, I will be able to devote more time to finding export partners across the globe.”

Mr Nickerson added that while Mr Watson’s appointment would initially see him work on gin, the distillery’s ultimate ambition was to produce whisky.