SCOTCH whisky giant Edrington has sold The Glenturret, the historic malt whisky distillery and brand based in Crieff.

The Glasgow-based distiller has offloaded what is believed to be Scotland’s oldest working distillery to Art & Terroir, a French wine company making its first move into Scotch whisky with the deal.

Edrington said the move protects 31 jobs at The Glenturret, which has been making single malt Scotch whisky for more than 240 years and has run one of Scotland’s most popular whisky attractions – The Famous Grouse Experience – for around four decades.

Edrington had put The Glenturret up for sale in June, when it also announced it was looking for a buyer for its Cutty Sark whisky. It revealed it had sold Cutty Sark to French spirits group La Martiniquaise-Bardinet in late November.

The distiller did not disclose the value of The Glenturret or Cutty Sark sales.

Edrington chief executive Ian Curle, who is stepping down to retire in March when he will be replaced by Scott McCroskie, current managing director of The Macallan, said: “When we announced the sale in June, we were clear that we expected that all jobs would be safeguarded and we are pleased that negotiations have settled on a good result for Edrington and Art & Terroir, and one which will protect all our employees at Glenturret. We are pleased to be placing The Glenturret in the hands of Art & Terroir and we know that the distillery will thrive under their management.”

Silvio Denz, managing director of Art & Terroir, said: “We are proud to take ownership of this fine and historic distillery. Glenturret is the perfect choice as we enter the world of Scotch Whisky and we are looking forward to working with the existing team to bring even greater success to this superb single malt and to its beautiful Perthshire surroundings.”