Jobs have come under threat at two of Scotland's historic island distilleries as the whisky industry grapples with a global downturn.
Production is being slowed at the Laphroaig and Bowmore plants on Islay, leading to a merging of the workforce at the two sites.
Staff are being offered voluntary redundancy packages as a result of the change, though owners Suntory Global Spirits insists there are no plans for compulsory redundancies.
Suntory Global Spirits announced the changes at the Islay distilleries in a joint statement.
The company insists it will continue distilling at both Bowmore and Laphroaig, and both remain "strategic priority brands" while its commitment to Islay and the community is unchanged.
Visitor Centres at both distilleries will remain open and a capital investment programme planned over the next three years for both sites will continue.
The management teams at both distilleries will remain separate to 'safeguard each brand’s identity and positioning'.
The firm said the changes reflect "updated production needs and follows traditional seasonal operating models used across the Scotch industry".
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The change is being put in place due to a downturn in the whisky business globally.
The slowdown is being blamed in part on the effects of Donald Trump’s trade tariffs, which have led to reciprocal moves by other countries.
Alistair Longwell, Head of Distilling and Environment: “Bowmore and Laphroaig are iconic Scotch whisky brands with exceptional heritage and craft, and they are long-term priorities for Suntory Global Spirits.
"As part of our commitment to producing whisky of the highest quality in a sustainable and efficient way, we are making operational adjustments on Islay to align production with long‑term demand.
"Distillation continues at both distilleries, and we remain fully committed to Islay, our people, and the communities that have supported these whiskies for generations.”
