The Wemyss Development Company, whose interests range from renewable power and wines and spirits to avocado farming in Australia and a tea plantation in Kenya, has hiked pre-tax profits to nearly £9.5 million in its most recent financial year, up from £2.6m.

Turnover at the Fife-based family conglomerate was up from £28.7m to £34.7m in 2018, according to accounts lodged with Companies House, with profit after tax at £3.9m, against £322,000 the year before.

The group's principal activities during the year were its hydro renewable power generation, property construction and development business, premium wine and spirits and its agricultural businesses in Australia, France and Kenya.

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Its commercial portfolio in Edinburgh and London "continues to operate at an acceptable return".

The board is happy with the current spread of geographic investments "but is mindful of the impact of Brexit".

The directors were said to be committed to Wemyss Vintage Malts and "and the necessity to lay down stock, as the board believes the long term demand for Scotch whisky will continue to remain strong".

Group chairman William Wemyss said: "To help ensure future supplies for the company the board continues to commit to supporting the Kingsbarns distillery during its early years of production, by providing funding on an arms-length basis."

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Farming in Australia did well with the avocado crop up 124%, sales of tea in Kenya were down 8% but value was up 25%, and the French wine harvest was down 17% in 2017 which impacted 2018 prices and volumes.

The directors noted that all 24 apartments in its latest Edinburgh development - its largest such property venture - were reserved before completion.

Electricity output was lower than expected due to less rainfall.