THE first entirely Scottish apple juice was launched yesterday.

The National Trust for Scotland, in partnership with artisan juice-makers Cuddybridge, is creating the juice using apples from its gardens.

Profits will support NTS heritage projects.

The juice includes unusual and heritage species. Up to 50 varieties will be picked from around 800 apple trees at NTS sites including Geilston Garden, Dunbartonshire and Priorwood Garden in Melrose.

They will be hand-pressed weekly at Cuddybridge's press at Kailzie Gardens, near Peebles in the Borders.

Bottles will go on sale next week at selected shops and outlets in the Borders, Perthshire and Edinburgh, including Harvey Nichols.