The group said the plant will quadruple production

Speaking at the new Edrington Group plant in Great Western Road, Glasgow, Jack McConnell said whisky production was a key industry for Scotland.

The group, which produces The Famous Grouse, The Macallan, Highland Park and Cutty Sark brands, said it had invested �3m in the high speed bottling plant, which can produce 600 bottles a minute.

Mr McConnell said: "Scotland's whisky industry is one of the most important elements of our economy, and its global reputation as one of the world's leading drinks is stronger than ever before.

This investment forms part of a �20m package we have spent over recent years to secure jobs and make our plant one of the most up-to-date facilities of its type in the industry Ian Good chief executive

"Its history and traditions reflect the best of Scotland's industrial and commercial past, and its innovation and confidence reflect all that is exciting about 21st century Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.

"Its success plays a strong part in attracting visitors to Scotland - more than one million people visited distillery visitor centres last year alone - and one in 50 Scottish jobs depend on this most famous of industries."

Edrington chief executive Ian Good said: "This investment forms part of a �20m package we have spent over recent years to secure jobs and make our plant one of the most up-to-date facilities of its type in the industry."