Distillers and ministers have joined forces to boost the industry

Deputy Industry Minister Allan Wilson detailed how the executive and Scotch Whisky Association would work together in a partnership agreement.

Ministers and distillers toasted the deal at a plant near Glasgow.

Association chairman Ian Good said he was "delighted" and Mr Wilson spoke of his "wholehearted support" for the whisky industry.

Measures include plans to:

• increase exports

• ensure fair whisky tax

• urge new laws to define Scotch whisky.

The agreement, which also promotes responsible attitudes towards alcohol, reinforced an earlier deal published in 2000.

Mr Wilson said: "The executive is committed to doing all within its power to provide its wholehearted support to an industry so successful and vital to Scotland's economy.

"I am confident that by continuing to work hand-in-hand with the sector Scotland's whisky industry can continue to flourish and further strengthen its global reputation."

Continuing success cannot be taken for granted Ian Good Scotch Whisky Association

Mr Good stressed the industry supported more than 40,000 jobs and that distillers were modern businesses leading the way on the international stage.

He said the intention was "to ensure distillers can successfully meet the opportunities and challenges the industry faces globally today and to grow Scotch whisky and the wider Scottish economy."

He added: "Scotch whisky can only be made in Scotland and decisions taken at home today will have an impact on industry competitiveness in the future.

"Continuing success cannot be taken for granted."

The industry is one of the UK's top five manufactured export earners, sending more than �2bn worth of whisky abroad each year.