SCOTCH whisky distiller William Grant & Sons has hiked profits to £260 million, driven by “healthy” volume and value growth by its core brands.

The Glenfiddich and Hendrick’s Gin maker, owned by the Gordon family, increased profits after tax by four per cent in the year ended December 31. That came as turnover grew by 11.6% to £1.3 billion.

The period saw the Dufftown-based distiller build a new Hendrick’s distillery in Girvan, Ayrshire, open a new packaging facility for luxury spirits, and relaunch Grant’s, its blended Scotch whisky brand.

Chief executive Simon Hunt said: "We’re delighted to report another year of double digit top line growth for our business.

"As an independent family-owned business, we have made bold decisions to grow the business the right way by investing in our people, our brands and our infrastructure to deliver sustainable long-term growth.”