Moray MP Douglas Ross has welcomed new rules to provide special status for iconic food and drink products such as Scotch whisky.
The UK Government has announced that new and independent Geographical Indicators (GI) schemes will guarantee authenticity and origin of British produce.
This includes products such as Scotch whisky, Arbroath Smokies and Stornoway Black Pudding.
New logos will guard against imitation and allow shoppers to buy their favourite food and drink items with confidence.
The rules will take effect from January 1 next year, after the end of the EU Transition Period.
Scottish Conservative MP for Moray Douglas Ross said:
“Scotland benefits hugely from geographic indicators that protect our famous food and drink produce that is in demand all over the world.
“That of course includes Scotch whisky and the famous brands across the country – many of which are distilled here in Moray.
“This new UK scheme will replace the former EU rules and will guarantee authenticity for customers and guard against inferior imitations.
“Geographic indicators will be important as the UK continues to negotiate free trade agreements with major economies around the world.
“There are huge opportunities to boost our export market for produce such as whisky in deals such as the one signed recently with Japan.
“This is good news for the whisky industry here in Moray and across Scotland.”