EDINBURGH'S North British Distillery has appointed Alan Kilpatrick as managing director, writes Scott Wright.

Mr Kilpatrick, who has previously held senior roles with Devro and, more recently, Baxters Food Group, becomes just the eleventh executive to hold the post at the130 year old grain distillery.

He will succeed the retiring David Rae, who has held the position for 20 years, on September 1.

North British Distillery, whose ultimate major shareholders are Edrington and Diageo, produces spirit for distillers to use in blended whiskies.

Mr Kilpatrick said: “North British Distillery is a historic and key player in the Scotch whisky industry and I relish the challenge and privilege of taking the business forward and building on the successes of David Rae’s stewardship.”