DAVID Beckham has raised a glass in Edinburgh after being spotted filming in a pub for his latest commercial venture.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United footballer announced that he had joined forces with Diageo to launch a new single grain Scotch whisky last month and yesterday he was seen during production of the advert for Haig Club Single Grain Scotch Whisky.

Beckham arrived just after 9am to begin filming at 99 Hanover Street. The pub's sign was painted out and curtains were put up to cover the front of the premises while the shoot got under way.

Announcing the partnership last month, Beckham said: "The House of Haig has a rich history and I'm proud to be working at the heart of a home-grown brand which has built an incredible heritage over 400 years."

Alcohol campaigners had criticised Beckham's new venture, saying it would send mixed messages to children. But Diageo responded by saying the former footballer, who is working alongside entrepreneur Simon Fuller on the partnership, would also lead the promotion of a responsible drinking programme for Haig Club.

"We could not ask for a stronger ambassador for the campaign," David Gates, Diageo's global head of premium core spirits, said.