DIAGEO has linked up with The Prince's Trust to train 15 unemployed young people in specialist whisky retailing in Edinburgh.

The course aims to help young people aged over 18 take advantage of the opportunities being presented by the Scotch whisky retail sector in and around the city.

The course is being delivered by the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile over four weeks until September 19.

It will seek to prepare candidates for a career in whisky retailing by covering topics such as whisky heritage and production, service standards, working with tourists, the consumer buying experience, the retail environment and practice, responsible drinking, licensing law, and how to prepare CVs and for interviews.

The course is part of Diageo's Learning for Life programme, which aims to tackle youth unemployment by equipping young people with the skills to find work.

Initially focused on the hospitality trade, it will also cover manufacturing, entrepreneurship and retail.

Diageo Scotland chairman Peter Lederer described supporting specialist whisky retailers with trained and knowledgeable staff as the "perfect match".